Obama’s Christmas at the beach

President Obama is spending Christmas on a Hawaii beach with his family.

{mosads}Obama on Christmas Eve made phone calls to U.S. service members from each branch of the military who are stationed around the globe. The calls are a traditional holiday event for Obama.

Obama expressed his gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the troops and their families during the calls, according to a White House pool report.

In the morning, first lady Michelle Obama and the first family gathered to open gifts and sing carols.

The Obamas headed to the beach later on Thursday, according to a pool report, which said they were spending their time at the shore at Bellows Air Force Base.

Later this afternoon, Obama and the first lady will go to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay to visit with service members and their families.

This story was updated at 5:18 p.m.