Christmas

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Theater: Irving Berlin's "White Christmas"

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Charlie Brown and Linus are in a pensive mood for the holiday in "Charlie Brown Christmas."

Singers Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat rehearse Dec. 6, 2012, for the lighting of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse in downtown D.C. later that evening. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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A television cameraman is silhouetted in between the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial on Dec. 6, 2012, as he films the rehearsal for the lighting of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse in downtown D.C. later that evening. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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Members of the Washington Performing Arts Society gospel choir wait to take the stage Dec. 6, 2012, to rehearse for the lighting of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse in downtown D.C. later that evening. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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Members of the Washington Performing Arts Society gospel choir wait to take the stage Dec. 6, 2012, to rehearse for the lighting of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse in downtown D.C. later that evening. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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A member of the stage crew sets microphones in place on Dec. 6, 2012, during setup and rehearsal for the lighting of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse in downtown D.C. later that evening. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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Members of the stage crew set up microphones, guitars and other gear on Dec. 6, 2012, for the lighting of the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse in downtown D.C. later that evening. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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This CD cover image released by Universal Music Enterprises shows “This Christmas,” a holiday album with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. (AP Photo/Universal Music Enterprises)

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The official White House Christmas tree, an 18-foot-6-inch Frasier fur from Jefferson, N.C., trimmed with ornaments decorated by children of military families, sits in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, during a preview of the White House holiday decorations. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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Leesburg, Va., resident Rick Wingrove opens a platform he uses at his home to advocate for atheism during the Christmas season. “This is about separation of church and state. We are not trying to destroy anyone’s Christmas,” he says. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

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A Christmas tree is displayed at a shopping mall in Hong Kong as the city prepares to celebrate the Christmas holidays on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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The stop-motion “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” special will air Dec. 9 on Nickelodeon in a tribute to classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Associated Press)

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First lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia (left) and Sasha and the family dog, Bo, welcome the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree, a 19-foot Fraser Fir from Jefferson, N.C., on Nov. 23, 2012, at the North Portico of the White House in Washington. (Associated Press)

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** FILE ** The town crier, played by volunteer Stephen Fahy, prepares to shout out to announce a group of visitors during "Christmas at Mount Vernon" at Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Va, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011. (Rod Lamkey Jr/ The Washington Times)