Tis the season: White House Christmas tree arrives

WASHINGTON — The White House is now open for Christmas.

First lady Michelle Obama, along with daughters Malia and Sasha, received the official White House Christmas tree on Friday: an 18<0x00BD>-foot Douglas fir delivered from a farm in Shepherdstown, W.Va., by traditional horse-drawn carriage. Growers Eric and Gloria Sundback officially presented it to the family.

It's the fourth time one of the Sundback's trees has been selected for the White House.

The tree is destined for the Blue Room, where scores of volunteers will decorate it. The tree will be the star attraction of Christmas at the White House, seen by thousands of people at holiday parties and on public tours of the executive mansion.

Next Thursday, the Obamas will flip a switch to light the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse.