U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle on Saturday wished Americans a Merry Christmas and thanked the U.S. troops and their families for their service.

In his weekly address, the president was joined by the first lady in asking Americans to "say a prayer for all our troops."

The first family arrived in Honolulu early Saturday.

The Obamas traditionally spend their Christmas holiday in Hawaii where the president was born and raised.

White House officials say there are no public events on his Hawaiian schedule. 

The president says he will return to Washington after Christmas to try to broker a deal that will prevent tax increases and the expiration of long-term unemployment benefits.

In the Republican weekly address, House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner urged Democrats to work with Republicans in Congress on spending cuts and tax reforms.