President Trump was hands-on Monday as he and First Lady Melania Trump greeted the White House Christmas tree as it was delivered by a horse-drawn wagon.

The president surveyed the 19-and-a-half-foot Fraser fir at the North Portico as he and Melania, in a festive, holiday-hued cape, held hands and the Marine Band played Christmas carols.

Trump patted one of the Clydesdale’s hindquarters, a move that experts said could have surprised the horse and resulted in a swift kick, but the steed stayed calm.

The Mountain Top Fraser Fir from Newland, NC, was named Grand Champion in this year’s selection contest overseen by the National Christmas Tree Association.

It will be displayed in the Blue Room.