And that's why tonight our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women who will be spending this holiday far from home -- the mothers and fathers, the sons and daughters of our military who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. We will be thinking of you and praying for you during this holiday season.
And let's also remember our neighbors who are struggling here at home -- those who've lost a job or a home; a friend or a loved one - because even though it's easy to focus on receiving at this time of year, it's often in the simple act of giving that we find the greatest happiness.
So on behalf of Michelle and Malia and Sasha and my mother-in-law, Mama Robinson - I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. May you go out with joy, and be led forth in peace.
And now, to the serious business of pressing the button and lighting this beautiful tree. So, guys, come up here. I need some assistance. I'm technologically challenged and I might not get this right. So we're going to do a countdown, starting from five. Everybody has got to help me out here. Five, four, three, two, one - ho! It worked!