US First Family gets ready for Christmas with arrival of official 20-ft tree

The official Christmas tree has been received by the US first family at the White House.

The first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and family dogs Bo and Sunny received the 20-foot white fir, which arrived in a horse-drawn wagon, at the North Portico of the White House, ABC News reported.

The first lady gave a "Thumbs-up" and said that it's a go as they are taking the tree, after the family circled the fir, smelled it and conferred.

Malia, holding Bo's leash, said that the tree is great and big.

The tree is chosen weeks in advance at the farm that wins the National Christmas Tree Association contest and the winner has presented the official White House tree since 1966.

In late September, a group of White House staffers, including the chief usher, groundskeeper and chief horticulturist, traveled to the Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, to search for a tree they agreed is perfect enough to stand in the Blue Room.

However, the Blue Room tree cannot be taller than 18 1/2 feet, so this tree will be trimmed to fit.