 Its President Joe Biden's turn to bring some holiday spirit to the US Capitol, the President and his wife, Jill, participated Thursday in the annual tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree on the ellipse, an area known as President's Park, on the south side of the White House. Merry Christmas, everyone, Biden said after he switched on the lights. This is a great tradition. This year's tree is a 40-foot, 12-meter, Norway spruce from West Virginia's Manangahilat National Forest. There was a moment's doubt earlier this week about whether the 101-year-old tradition would go ahead as planned after the tree was felled by strong gusty winds Tuesday. But the tree was upright again within hours after a cable securing it was replaced, according to the National Park Service. Again, Merry Christmas, everyone. Have a seat if you'd like. Jill and I are honored to welcome you to the National Christmas Tree Lighting thanks to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the National Park Service Foundation. They're the one doing this. This is a great tradition. One has been pointed out already. We've honored it over 100 years where presidents and the people come together, usher in the holiday season. We began another holiday season. Let's remember how blessed we are as Americans for the gift that is our nation. So Merry Christmas, America. May God bless you all and may God protect our troops. Merry, Merry Christmas.