President Barack Obama has plenty of work to do before Christmas, but he and his family have still made time to buy gifts and sing carols, and they even plan to leave out milk and cookies for Santa.
This year's Christmas season is the first that Obama, First Lady Michelle, and the "First Daughters" Sasha and Malia have spent in the White House.
Their new home has been suitably decked out with Christmas garlands, thousands of twinkling lights and baubles and tinsel inside and outside the presidential residence.
Michelle Obama called in help from volunteers to decorate the White House, though a gingerbread replica of the building, covered in white chocolate and complete with a mini-version of the Obamas' dog Bo, was left to the White House pastry chef Bill Yosses.
During a holiday event at the Washington Children's National Medical Centre, the First Lady divulged that 26 Christmas trees are up in the White House.
"Unfortunately, you don't get presents under all of them," Malia added ruefully.
The official White House Christmas tree is on display in the Blue Room, lit with environmentally-friendly LED lights and decorated with over 800 ornaments from previous administrations.
{{/usCountry}}The official White House Christmas tree is on display in the Blue Room, lit with environmentally-friendly LED lights and decorated with over 800 ornaments from previous administrations.
{{/usCountry}}