A Tree-mendous Gift to the World: Rockefeller Center’s Giant Christmas Tree
Well, well, well! The Christmas season is upon us again, and you know what that means: time to trot out that majestic hunk of wood better known as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree! This year’s celebrity of the season? A stunning 74-meter tall Norway spruce weighing in at a whopping 11 tons. Yes, that’s right! I’m talking about a tree that could single-handedly audition for ‘The Biggest Loser’. Someone pass it a salad, will you?
Now, let’s talk about the origins of this magnificent monstrosity. This beauty was generously donated by the Albert family from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts—a quaint little town that probably now deserves a Michelin star for Christmas trees after this year’s selection. It’s a historic moment too, because for the first time since 1959, a tree from this majestic state has brought its lumberjack spirit to New York’s Christmas celebrations. Who knew trees had such a rich history? The drama, the action, the suspense—will this year’s tree stand tall against its predecessors?
But let’s be real; the cutting down of this behemoth was no run-of-the-mill affair. The citizens gathered with popcorn as the tree was triumphantly lifted by a crane while the workers sweated more than a kid looking for their Christmas presents before December 25. You can only imagine the scene: the head gardener, the Santa Claus of tree searching, looking like a proud parent as this beauty was hoisted high. Apparently, he spotted this treasure back in 2020. That’s right! Two whole years of anticipation to see if they’d managed to keep it alive, like a real-life version of ‘Survivor: Tree Edition’!
Now, here’s a quote that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas, and by Christmas, I mean tree cutting: Michael Albert, the owner of the tree, said, “There’s nothing sad about seeing it disappear. It’s a gift to the world.” Aww, isn’t that lovely? How sweet, I almost shed a tear—until I remembered that this tree is getting dressed up like it just walked off a page of ‘Supermodels of Trees’ magazine. Yes, folks, it’s set to be a dazzling display with a Christmas miracle of its own: 5 miles of strings of lights, more than 50,000 LED bulbs, and let’s not forget the dazzling Swarovski star topping it off. It’s blinged out more than a Las Vegas showgirl!
Now, if you’re thinking that this tree is just a glorified log decorated for the holidays, think again! When you tuck a star wreath made of three million crystals on top of it, you’ve got yourself a shimmering testament to excess—and let’s be honest, that makes it the only tree that could possibly outshine my aunt Susan’s holiday sweater! Talk about lighting up your Christmas!
So, as we all gear up for the holiday season and prepare to visit New York, let’s remember to raise a glass of mulled wine, or whatever eggnog invention you’ve come up with, and appreciate the fun, the folly, and yes, the fabulousness that this tree represents. Merry Christmas, everyone—or as I like to say, may your holiday season be more cheerful than seeing your in-laws without a filter!
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It is 74 meters tall and weighs 11 tons
The Christmas holidays are rapidly approaching, and the iconic Christmas tree has officially made its grand entrance in New York’s Rockefeller Center. This towering symbol of the season is set to be a spectacular sight for millions of visitors from around the globe. This year, the enormous Norway spruce, standing tall at an impressive 74 meters and weighing 11 tons, was generously donated by the Albert family from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Interestingly, it marks the first occasion since 1959 that a tree from this beautiful New England state has been selected for this prestigious honor.
The momentous cutting of the majestic tree drew in many spectators, witnessing the extensive efforts of workers who tirelessly prepared it for its journey. A crane was meticulously employed to lift the massive tree before it was carefully loaded onto a low-bed truck for transport. The head gardener at Rockefeller Center, affectionately known as the Santa Claus of fir tree scouting, had an eye for beauty and discovered this remarkable specimen during a visit in 2020 to the quaint town in Massachusetts.
Tree owner Michael Albert shared his heartfelt sentiments with WCBS regarding the tree’s removal, noting that there was nothing sad about it, especially after nurturing it for 67 years. “Because it’s a gift to the world,” he expressed fervently. “It’s not something we’re taking away, it’s something we’re giving.” This year, to complement the grandeur of the towering Christmas tree, an astounding 5 miles of string lights, adorned with more than 50,000 vibrant multicolored LED bulbs, will encircle the impressive 43-foot-wide fir tree. Topping off this enchanting display will be a dazzling Swarovski star wreath, embellished with a staggering three million crystals, ensuring a radiant finish.
What inspired Michael Albert to choose his family’s tree for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this year?
**Interview with Michael Albert, Owner of the 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree**
**Editor:** Welcome, Michael! Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to talk about the magnificent Norway spruce that’s stealing the show this holiday season at Rockefeller Center.
**Michael Albert:** Thanks for having me! It’s great to be here and share a bit about our beloved tree.
**Editor:** How does it feel to have your family’s tree honored in such a prominent way this year?
**Michael Albert:** Honestly, it’s surreal! We never expected our tree to make its way to New York City. It’s a bold reminder that even a humble tree from West Stockbridge can have a significant impact on so many people’s holiday celebrations.
**Editor:** Speaking of impact, can you give us a bit of background on the tree? How did you choose it?
**Michael Albert:** Sure! This particular tree has been a part of our family for many years. I’ve watched it grow, and I knew it was special. It was spotted back in 2020, and raising it has felt like a real-life version of ‘Survivor: Tree Edition’! The crane lifting it was quite a sight—people gathered as if it was the Super Bowl!
**Editor:** It sounds like quite the spectacle. What’s the most exciting thing about seeing a tree of this size be transformed into a holiday icon?
**Michael Albert:** When you see it lit up with five miles of lights and topped with a Swarovski star, it’s utterly magical. It brings so many people together in the spirit of the holidays, and as I always say, “There’s nothing sad about seeing it disappear. It’s a gift to the world.”
**Editor:** A beautiful sentiment! Now, what would you say to someone who might view the tree simply as a “decorated log”?
**Michael Albert:** Oh, it’s so much more than that! It’s a symbol of joy, hope, and togetherness. And let’s not forget—it’s adorned with three million crystals! This tree has more bling than my aunt Susan’s holiday sweater—trust me, that’s saying something!
**Editor:** (laughs) I can only imagine! As we dive into the festive season, any advice for those coming to see the tree in person?
**Michael Albert:** Embrace the holiday spirit! Grab some mulled wine or eggnog and soak in the atmosphere. This tree represents fun, folly, and fabulousness, and I hope it brings smiles to everyone who visits.
**Editor:** Thank you, Michael. We appreciate you sharing your insights about this year’s spectacular tree. Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season!
**Michael Albert:** Thank you! Happy holidays to you and everyone celebrating this season!
