The Great Spruce Chase: Unraveling the Mystery of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Ah, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. A beacon of holiday cheer, a symbol of New York City at Christmas, and a giant, glittering… well, tree. But have you ever stopped to wonder, "Where in the evergreen heck does this thing come from?" Fear not, my curious comrades, for we shall embark on a journey to uncover the origins of this arboreal celebrity!
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| Where Did New York City Christmas Tree Come From |
From Humble Beginnings to Holiday Icon
Our tale begins not in a glitzy tree farm, but in the hearts of some construction workers back in 1931. These hardy souls, while building Rockefeller Center, decided to pool their meager funds to buy a Christmas tree. They decorated it with handmade garlands, a far cry from the dazzling spectacle we see today. But hey, everyone starts somewhere, right? Even the most famous Christmas tree in the world!
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The Search for the Perfect Spruce
Now, finding a tree worthy of Rockefeller Center is no easy feat. It's not like they can just pop down to Home Depot and grab any old spruce. Oh no, this is serious business! The tree needs to be tall, majestic, and have that certain je ne sais quoi that says, "I'm going to be the most photographed tree in the world!"
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Enter Erik Pauze, the head gardener of Rockefeller Center and the official tree scout. He travels far and wide, searching for the perfect specimen, like a botanical Indiana Jones. He's looking for a Norway spruce, typically around 75 feet tall and 45 feet in diameter. It has to be dense, well-shaped, and basically radiate Christmas spirit. No pressure, tree!
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From Forest to Festive
Once the chosen tree is found, the real adventure begins. Imagine the logistics of transporting a tree of that size from its forest home to the heart of New York City. It's like a giant game of Tetris, but with a tree instead of blocks.
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The tree is carefully cut down, loaded onto a flatbed truck, and driven to the city. Along the way, it probably gets some curious stares and maybe even a few selfies. After all, it's not every day you see a tree that big cruising down the highway.
A Star is Born
Finally, the tree arrives at Rockefeller Center, where it's hoisted into place by a crane. This is no ordinary crane, mind you. This is a crane with the responsibility of holding up a symbol of Christmas cheer for millions to see. Talk about pressure!
Once the tree is secured, the real magic begins. Miles of lights are strung, ornaments are hung, and finally, the iconic Swarovski star is placed on top. And just like that, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is ready to dazzle the world.
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The Afterlife of a Christmas Icon
But the story doesn't end there. Once the holidays are over, the tree is taken down and milled into lumber. This lumber is then donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it's used to build homes for families in need. So, even after its moment in the spotlight is over, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree continues to spread joy and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions: How To...
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How to get my tree considered for Rockefeller Center?
- Keep an eye out for Erik Pauze, the head gardener, as he scouts for trees. Or, you can submit your tree for consideration through the Rockefeller Center website.
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How to get to Rockefeller Center to see the tree?
- Take the subway! Several lines will get you close, and it's a fun way to experience the city.
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How to avoid the crowds at the tree lighting ceremony?
- Arrive early, very early! Or, watch the ceremony on TV from the comfort of your own home.
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How to take the perfect photo of the tree?
- Find a good angle, use a tripod if you have one, and don't forget to smile!
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How to feel the Christmas spirit even if you can't be in NYC?
- Watch the tree lighting ceremony online, listen to Christmas music, and spread some cheer in your own community.
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