President Barack Obama spent part of Christmas Eve on the links with a group of close friends.

Taking advantage of a patch of sun during an otherwise rainy morning, Obama left his Kailua rental house shortly after 11:30 a.m. and headed to the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Joining the president were Hawaii pals Mike Ramos, Greg Orme and Bobby Titcomb, Chicago friend Eric Whitaker, and White House staffers Sam Kass and Marvin Nicholson.

Meanwhile, first lady Michelle Obama spent the late morning fielding calls from children as she tracked Santa’s progress around the world with NORAD.

The first lady proved quick on her proverbial feet, providing curious kids with an in-depth explanation of Santa’s fluid ETAs.

In response to a child named Owen who asked when Santa would be in Abbottstown, Pa., the first lady answered: "Right now he’s over Estonia. But generally, he can hop all across the globe at any time, because he doesn’t get to your house until you’re asleep, and kids go to sleep at different times. So right now he’s in Estonia … but he will be at your house as soon as every child in the house is asleep."

The Obamas were to spend Christmas Eve at home with a close circle of family and friends that typically joins the president for his annual Hawaiian vacation. They include Obama’s sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, who lives in the state with her family.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.