White House receives its Christmas tree

In keeping with holiday tradition, first lady Michelle Obama was on hand to receive the White House Christmas tree Friday.

While President Obama was not present, the rest of the first family offered their stamp of approval to the tree, a Douglas fir stretching over 18 feet tall.

“What do you think?” Mrs. Obama asked her daughters.

“Love it,” replied Malia.

“We’ll keep it,” declared the first lady.

The tree, which will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House, was presented by Christopher Botek and Kyra Yurko of the Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Pa., where the tree was grown. The winners of a National Christmas Tree Association contest – John and Leslie Wyckoff of Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm in Belvedere, N.J. – also presented the tree.