WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are wishing Americans a Merry Christmas and happy holidays in the president's weekly radio and Internet address.

The Obamas departed for their Hawaiian vacation on Friday night and arrived there Saturday as Congress and the White House have yet to reach an agreement to avert the fiscal cliff.

The president says the nation should give thanks for veterans and their families and asks Americans to "say a prayer for all our troops" -- including those spending the holiday in Afghanistan.

In the Republican address, House Speaker John Boehner urges Democrats to work with Republicans in Congress on spending cuts and tax reforms. He says, "Hope springs eternal."