A night of light

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The official Christmas season of giving and family started for Mike Luczko long before President Bush lighted the towering Colorado blue spruce yesterday behind the White House.

Mr. Luczko got in line for tickets at 4 a.m. one day last month so his wife, Cheryl, and their two young children could sing with carolers, watch the 2005 Christmas Pageant of Peace and join in all the activities associated with the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

"This represent the nation looking to start its holiday," said Mrs. Luczko, 39, standing with her children -- Megan, 2, and Evan, 5. "This is something very special."

Mr. Bush and first lady Laura Bush lighted the tree at about 6 p.m. and told the about 6,000 people gathered at the Ellipse that Christmas is a time for rejoicing.

"As an expression of our hope and compassion for Christmas, we light our national Christmas tree," Mr. Bush said before flipping the switch to illuminate the area with bright yellow lights, which drew appreciate sighs from the crowd.

The tree, decorated with 25,000 lights, blue snowflake ornaments and a big white snowflake on top, twinkled in the brisk night air. Beside it were 56 smaller trees -- one each for the District, the country's five territories and 50 states.

This was the 82nd consecutive lighting of the tree, a tradition that began in 1923 when President Coolidge lighted one adorned with replica candy canes. The tree is decorated differently every year, but the theme is always "Peace on Earth."

The mood last night was festive.

Actors dressed as clowns, Christmas trees and animals found in Nativity scenes roamed the area, singing and laughing with children.

"Everybody says this is for kids, but it's not," said Winnie Lebo, 59, of Falls Church. "It's for [people] 6 or 60. Between the music and the trees, it's great."

Famed poet Maya Angelou, singers CeCe Winans and Ricky Skaggs, actor Brad Oscar and the United States Navy Band were among those who performed last night.

Retired Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Merlin Olsen appeared as Santa Claus.

"It's wonderful being in the nation's capital," said Sue Parks, 62, a National Park Service volunteer from Great Falls, Va. "Seeing all these people every year is marvelous."

Bill Line, a Park Service spokesman, downplayed talk that New York lit its Christmas tree Wednesday night in Rockefeller Center to upstage the District.

"I think all of us work together to welcome in the holiday season for Washington but also for the entire country," he said.

Despite the cool weather, many said the lighting warmed their hearts.

"It was spectacularly spectacular," said Virginia resident Sally Smith. "Beyond expectations."

Laurel resident Charles Kirk, 38, agreed.

"It's the beginning of Christmas," he said.