UK Daily Mail

By Meghan Keneally

The First Family is all smiles in their Christmas card which was released today, continuing their recent string of holiday-related appearances.

The Obamas are shown sitting hand in hand in the Oval Office, with Michelle and Malia leaning in to one another while Sasha rest on her father's knee.

Even though Mr Obama has been president for the past three years, this is only their second Christmas card using a family portrait, having skipped the tradition last year.

Happy family: Michelle, Malia, Barack and Sasha sat hand-in-hand on the White House official Christmas card

Instead of gracing last year's card, they opted instead for a picture of the snow-covered White House taken during the massive snow storm in February 2010. The only personal touch on that card was inside, where each family member, and the dog, 'signed' their love.

The difference between the two photo cards is easily spotted, as both Sasha, 10, and Malia, 13, look slightly more grown up both equally as adorable.

Back in the day: This is the previous Christmas card, released in 2009 and shot by Annie Leibovitz

Noticeably absent in both this year's card and the 2009 version is the beloved family dog Bo.

Even though he didn't make an appearance on the card, he certainly has left his mark on the family's Christmas: there are Bo replicas in nearly every room in the White House, including marzipan miniatures and felt life-sized figures.

This year's portrait was shot by the official White House photographer Pete Souza, and perhaps it was his level of comfort with the family that helped create the relaxed vibe.