There are Christmas trees and then here are CHRISTMAS TREES! Most of us have the former. The latter is reserved for the truly grand, outdoor trees — in Rockefeller Plaza, for example, and, especially, the National Christmas Tree.
When did the tradition of having a national tree begin?
In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge presided over the first lighting of a National Christmas Tree. Woodrow Wilson had instituted the tradition of a tree at the Capitol in 1913.
Was there ever a time when the National Christmas Tree was not lit?
Yes, from 1942 to 1944 wartime blackouts meant the tree was not lit.
What day are the lights turned on?
This year, it’s December 3rd. Originally, the tree was lit on Christmas or Christmas eve. It was President Eisenhower, in 1954, who saw the value of lighting the tree earlier in the month to allow more tourists to be there.
Where does the National Christmas Tree come from?
Unlike some other huge Christmas trees, the National Christmas Tree is a living tree that stays right there in the same place all year long. The current tree, originally from Maryand, has been in place for 31 years, since 1978. It is 46 years old and nearly 42 feet tall.
Is the lighting ceremony shown on TV?
Yes, but the full ceremony will be broadcast the next day. To see it all live, go to www.thenationaltree.org on December 3rd at 5:00 PM (EST). Every performance, presenter and holiday festivity from the ceremony will be broadcast online.
To see a short history of the National ChristmasTree in pictures, visit http://www.thenationaltree.org/timeline/
I know what I hope to be doing Thursday at 5:00 PM! How about you?
