Clintons Mark Christmas, Hanukkah

On a crisp evening, President Clinton pressed the button to light the sparkling, multicolored national Christmas tree Thursday, dedicating it to peace and love and the young people of world.

“Let us rejoice that our nation is at peace and in what we have done … to help other people in other lands to make their peace,” the president said.

Standing a distance away in another prominent position was a large and spreading menorah, symbolizing the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Before heading out to the tree ceremony, Clinton gathered a group of preschoolers and kindergartners in the Oval Office to light a candle signifying the first night of Hanukkah.

He watched in amusement as the children sang two Hanukkah songs, then competed for shares of candy by spinning a dreidl on the desktop. “I like this game,” Clinton said - after he spun and won half the candies on the table.

The children bade goodbye by singing, “Shalom, Mr. President!”