First Lady welcomes White House Christmas tree

First Lady Jill Biden received the official White House Christmas tree outside the White House residence Monday afternoon, calling the tree "beautiful."

Volunteer decorators began arriving at the White House on Monday to start sprucing it up for Christmas, according to a theme first ladies traditionally reveal after Thanksgiving.

Paul and Sharon Shealer of Auburn, Pennsylvania, were crowned this year's Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's National Christmas tree contest. With the award, the winner gets to present a Christmas tree to the White House.

It's the second time that the Shealers have claimed the association's top honor. They presented a tree to first lady Hillary Clinton in 2000.

Later Monday, the Bidens were heading to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, near the North Carolina coast for friendsgiving, or to share a Thanksgiving-style meal with members of the military and their families.