People: Obama family attends Christmas benefit

The Obamas got into the holiday spirit Sunday evening with a little help from Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow and Janelle Monae.

President Barack Obama and his family attended the 32nd annual “Christmas in Washington” concert, a benefit for the Children’s National Health System. After an evening of Christmas carols at the National Building Museum, the president said Americans should remember Jesus Christ’s lessons of charity and compassion.

“Through his example, he taught us that we should love the Lord, love our neighbors, as we love ourselves. It’s a teaching that has endured for generations. And today, it lies at the heart of my faith and that of millions of Americans, and billions around the globe,” Obama said.

The president, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, helped collect presents for patients at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington.

The Obamas met five of the hospital’s young patients, who were dressed as elves.

“Hey, you guys, you going to help us?” Mrs. Obama asked.

“Good job, elves,” the president said. “Nice job.”

Cameron announces ‘Avatar’ sequels

James Cameron says he will be returning to New Zealand to film three sequels to “Avatar,” his enormously popular movie about the blue aliens of Pandora. The director made the announcement today in the capital Wellington with producer Jon Landau and Prime Minister John Key.

“Avatar,” released in 2009 and shot in New Zealand, won three Academy Awards and is the highest-grossing film in history, with an international box office take of nearly $2.8 billion.

Cameron said the aim is to release the first sequel in time for Christmas 2016 and the following sequels in late 2017 and late 2018.

The birthday bunch

Civil rights attorney Morris Dees is 77. Actress Joyce Bulifant is 76. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 72. TV producer Steven Bochco is 70. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 48. Actress Hallee Hirsh is 26. Actress Anna Popplewell is 25.