It is officially Christmas at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights this evening, while the frontline choir provided the music.
President Higgins said he believes we will be a stronger people when we exit this pandemic.
"I think that every year when we light the Christmas tree and, indeed as lights go on all over Ireland, people are saying goodbye to winter and anticipating the light of Spring," he said.
"In a year like this where we've had Covid, I think the message is to just take strength from the way we have been pulling together and the extraordinary strength that it has given us and to redouble our efforts.
"We are grateful for the courage that working together gave us and we are going to strengthen it and make all the further efforts that are necessary so by next year we will be much freer of the pandemic. That is really my message."
The Frontline choir performs for @PresidentIRL at the Aras @rtenews ahead of the switching on of the Christmas tree lights pic.twitter.com/1I4fhgrxHD
— Sharon Lynch (@sharonmlynch) December 12, 2021
The President said "we make our hope".
Last March, David Brophy began recruiting for a new choir, made up of healthcare workers based across the country.
Sarah Costello, Director of Nursing at Costello's Nursing home in Co Roscommon is a member of the Frontline choir.
She said her husband nominated her to join the choir.
"It's been a huge honour and privilege to be part of the choir and to be here at the Áras," Ms Costello said.
"To think back over the past 18 months when we were in lockdown and in the midst of outbreaks and the hardship that was bringing to all of us to be actually here this evening and to be celebrating so close to Christmas is just wonderful.
"I can't put it into words what it means to us."
Conductor David Brophy said it is surreal being at Áras an Uachtaráin to light the Christmas lights.
"I think it means an awful lot to the choir, in the sense it's recognition and that this evening is the icing on the cake," Mr Brophy said.
