The 2013 White House Christmas tree is an 18.5 foot Douglas Fir grown in Lehighton, Penn. (Image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama has thrown the switch, bathing the National Christmas Tree in lights and giving an otherwise dreary day in the nation's capital a festive and seasonal spirit.

Obama, acknowledging the rainy weather, asked for an abbreviated countdown before flipping on the lights. He said, quote: "We're going to start at 5; since it's little wet we shouldn't start at 10."

As soon as the tree burst into multi-colors, singing diva Aretha Franklin took to the stage to sing a spirited version of "Joy to the World."

Joining Obama for the 91st annual tree-lighting ceremony were first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson.

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The tree was presented to the first lady by Christopher Botek, a second-generation Christmas tree farmer from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Pa.

The tree was hauled up the driveway the day after Thanksgiving by horse-drawn wagon and was set up in the Blue Room as the main attraction of White House Christmas decorations.

During the tree's delivery, Mrs. Obama, holding the leash for dog Sunny, and her daughters walked around the wagon to inspect the fir.

"It looks good. It looks beautiful," she said, turning to ask Malia: "What do you think?"

"Love it. We'll keep it," replied Malia, who held the leash for Bo, the family's other dog.

"We will keep it," Mrs. Obama said.

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