President Obama family Christmas photo is upstaged by elf

Mr Obama was taking part in the Christmas in Washington benefit concert

One of the five elves managed to upstage the US president during a Christmas photocall (SAUL LOEB/AFP/GETTY)

US president Barack Obama found himself somewhat upstaged during a festive photo call when one of his elves stole the limelight during filming for the 32nd Christmas in Washington benefit concert.

Barack Obama and his family met with some of the Children's National Medical Center's young patients before the concert began, who were dressed as elves to deliver presents to families.

The children, aged between between four and five-years-old, were lining up for pictures with the Obama family after delivering the presents when first lady Michelle asked the photographer to pull silly faces to make the children laugh. Instead, one elf beat the photographer to it and took the opportunity to pull their funniest face at the camera.

Christmas in Washington is an annual Christmas television special that benefits the Children's National Medical Center. This year's show was hosted by actor Hugh Jackman and will air on 20 December on TNT.

Mr Obama thanked Wolverine actor Jackman "for keeping our safety in mind by leaving Wolverine's claws at home".

"It can't be easy to wrap presents with those things; good for carving up roast beast though," he said.

"Every year, we mark the holiday season with celebrations and good cheer. And I should remind my girls that I like getting Christmas presents as much as anybody," he added.

The show's lineup included performances of holiday favorites by the Backstreet Boys, singers Sheryl Crow and Janelle Monae, and actress Anna Kendrick.