President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama (C, R), first lady Michelle Obama (L) and daughters Sasha (C,L) and Malia (R) at a Christmas celebration in 2014 Getty

The First Family of the US is all smiles in their official holiday photo that President Barack Obama shared on Sunday with a Christmas message for everyone. As it seems, the President is in love with the candid family picture taken during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit, and used it for the second time to send the message of love.

Spreading the holiday cheer on social media, he wrote, "The best part of the holidays is the time we share with those we love. On behalf of Michelle, Malia, and Sasha, Merry Christmas everyone."

The family-of-four is an eyeful in the candid photo clicked on the White House balcony. The same image was earlier used for the official White House holiday card. In the picture, First Lady Michelle Obama dazzles in a blue floral Json Wu gown, while the president cuts a dapper figure with his well-tailored tuxedo.

The cheeky photo is complete with the President's teenage daughters – Malia, 18 and Sasha, 15 – posing by the side of their parents in equally gorgeous gown by designer Naeem Khan. What makes Potus' holiday photo even more special is the history behind it, and how Obamas bended tradition to use a candid click for their final holiday greetings.

According to Chief Official White House photographer Pete Souza, the picture dates back to March, when Trudeau was visiting the White House for State Dinner. "At one point, the Prime Minister asked if we could do a photo of he and his wife with the Obama family," Souza wrote about the photo that was taken on the Truman balcony.

"Then, he said I should do a photo of just the Obama's," the official photographer shared adding, "And lo and behold, it was this picture that Justin Trudeau asked me to take which everyone loved as the choice for the 2016 White House holiday card."

Even Vice President Joe Biden shared his holiday greetings on Sunday with a picture with his wife. He wrote, "Merry Christmas from all the Bidens. For all those troops serving abroad, away from their families today, know that you're in our hearts," reiterating the President's final Christmas address to the US.

The Obamas have been spending the Christmas in Hawaii enjoying the balmy weather for their annual winter vacation.

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