The Obama Christmas Tree: The Real Deal

December 14th: The Obama family purchased its Christmas tree this afternoon.

Here's the account of the transaction from the press pool: 

"President-elect Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia and an unidentified friend of the girls went Christmas tree shopping together. Pool is told they picked out a tree but that the tree will be delivered later. No opportunity for questions.

Motorcade left the Obama house 2:25 pm CT and arrived 2:33 pm at an unmarked tree lot a short drive away on 53rd St. and S. Kenwood across from Nichols Park. The pool was held across 53rd St, by the park, and the view into the lot was partially obscured by a chain link fence, trees and part of the motorcade.

Pool could see but not hear glimpses of Obama and the girls walking around the lot and talking. Dozens of locals gathered across the street to watch with the pool. Before getting back into the motorcade, PEOTUS stopped, waved repeatedly and said, "Merry Christmas, everybody." Motorcade departed tree lot 2:41 pm and returned to the house about 2:45. Pool is holding."

If I recall correctly from my days as a Hyde Parker, this Christmas tree lot used to be run by a member of the Kamberos family. Is it still one of their many enterprises?

The Obama's choice of a real, as opposed to an artificial,  tree offers me the excuse to post a piece I put together last holiday season on the merits of fir v. faux. 

Enjoy: