US President Joe Biden created quite a stir when he removed his stocking cap, revealing unexpectedly long, wispy hair that stood on end due to static electricity at Thursday night's White House national Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
He interacted with journalists who remained on the cold South Lawn after his speech, asking them teasingly, "You're still here?"
The striking images of the 82-year-old president quickly spread across social media, drawing parallels to characters from "A Christmas Carol."
"Dude literally looks like [Jacob] Marley's Ghost at this point," commented one X user, drawing a connection to Scrooge's deceased business partner from the Dickens tale.
"He is about to loose his hair through wind!" one wrote. "I'm assuming he went with the late wake up call." another said.
"The Ghost of Christmas Past?" another wrote with laughing out loud emoji.
"Biden is looking more and more like the ghost of Christmas future!," one user said.
Following his speech about the 30-foot red spruce tree at the Ellipse, the president visited the press area. He had spoken about the tree representing the season's essence.
"The theme is 'A Season of Peace and Light' — of peace and light — the peace we feel as we pause and reflect on our blessing and the light — the light we see as we gather with loved ones that cherish our time together," Biden said, referencing the holiday theme announced by first lady Jill Biden.
The second Catholic president continued, "During this season of reflection and renewal, many of us will sing 'O Holy Night.' A phrase in the song is, 'His law is love; His gospel is peace.'"
"May wish for you and for the nation, now and always, is we continue to seek the light of liberty and love, kindness and compassion, dignity and decency," he added.
"Merry Christmas, America. Merry Christmas to all of you. And may God bless you all. And may God protect — may God protect our troops."
The evening brought unusually cold conditions to the typically mild capital, ushering in the holiday season with a distinct winter chill.
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