The festive spirit has officially descended upon New York City as the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree found its home in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday, November 8. This year's holiday centerpiece carries more than just decorative significance—it embodies a heartfelt story of love, memory, and fulfilled dreams.
A Tree Steeped in Family History
According to reports from NY Post, this year's magnificent 75-foot Norway spruce originated from the backyard of Judy Russ in East Greenbush, a quaint town in upstate New York. The tree had been a constant presence on her family property for an impressive 75 years, witnessing multiple generations grow alongside it.
Judy made the emotional decision to donate the tree as a tribute to her late husband, Dan Russ, who passed away in 2020 at just 32 years old. Dan had always cherished the dream that their beloved spruce would one day grace Rockefeller Center as its official Christmas tree. This holiday season, his vision has finally become reality.
An Emotional Installation Ceremony
Judy, accompanied by her seven-year-old son Liam, traveled to Manhattan to witness the tree being carefully positioned in its famous spot. The mother-son duo even participated in the installation process, helping guide the stability spike into the trunk.
Seeing crowds gather around their family tree brought Judy both comfort and happiness. "We are so happy that people are here celebrating, it's kicking off the Christmas season, spreading love, joy—it's awesome. It's a really incredible feeling, it's good energy here today for sure," she shared with NY Post.
Despite early morning rainfall, dozens of enthusiastic visitors gathered to watch workers position the massive tree. Many described the experience as magical and surreal.
Tourists and Locals Share the Magic
Some visitors, like friends Leanne Garza and Kaissa Trevino from South Texas, had specifically planned their entire trip around witnessing the tree installation. "It's surreal," Garza expressed. "I've seen it up at Christmas time, but to see the process is cool."
For local residents like Dominique Perrot, a retired teacher from Astoria, watching the tree arrive represented a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She woke up before sunrise to secure her spot and described how the tree brought a sense of tranquility to the bustling city.
"It looked so charming, so massive. It's like a big contrast—there is the New York City traffic and noise and every day craziness and then you have this big tree, representing quietness and calmness," she explained to the publication.
The Grand Lighting Ceremony
The tree will undergo a spectacular transformation, being adorned with 50,000 twinkling lights before its official lighting ceremony on December 3. This heartfelt story of love and remembrance will thus become an integral part of New York's most cherished holiday tradition, spreading joy to millions of visitors throughout the season.
