As the holiday season approaches, an annual tradition takes place: the search for the perfect Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This year’s tree arrived on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. An ongoing custom since 1931, the Rockefeller tree lighting is a special event that warms people’s hearts and rings in the holiday season. Sophomore Jessie Vuotto expressed, [The tree lighting] brings people together and is a great experience.” Sophomore Subhana Wasim added, “I would [definitely] recommend going to see the tree because it is beautiful and creates many precious memories.”
Dating back to the Great Depression, people searched for joy to bring to their lives. Seeing as money was scarce during this time, Italian-American workers decorated a 20-foot balsam fir with cranberries, garlands made of paper, and tin cans. This action enlivened the area in times of worry and fear.
Today, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is supported by several organizations and donors, such as Habitat for Humanity and Christmas Tree Brooklyn. Each year, the tree is donated by a family. Erik Pauzé, the head gardener for Rockefeller Center, picks the perfect tree based on its “Christmas tree shape” and its capability to sustain heavy ornaments. Typically, the tree is a Norway Spruce, ranging from 70-100 feet tall. This year, according to NBC’s Today show, a 67-year-old tree was donated by the Albert Family in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts (Today.com).
Once a tree is selected, a crane supports the tree in the midst of it being cut down. Then, it is transported to Rockefeller Center on a gigantic trailer that can hold trees up to 125 feet tall. While the tree is being transported, it is decorated in huge red bows and/or banners to inform people that the very merry holiday symbol is on its way.
Following the arrival of the tree in Manhattan, the tree is placed and supported by four guide wires, which ensure that the tree is stable. Next, workers hang an estimated 50,000 LED lights with varying colors and top the tree with its star. However, it is not just any regular star. A bedazzled Swarovski star, designed in 2018 by a distinguished architect, Daniel Liebeskind, is placed on top of the tree. This fascinating star contains 70 spikes and three million crystals, as well as LED spotlights. Once the star was put together, it weighed an astonishing 900 pounds.
The tree is put in place in mid-November and then is lit by the current mayor of New York City on the Wednesday evening after Thanksgiving. The tree lighting is broadcasted live, and an enormous public ceremony is held. This year, the tree lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4.
