Get to Know the Michigan State Christmas Tree
Christmas is around the corner, and plenty of families and businesses are getting up their annual Christmas trees. That includes different cities, too. The tradition of the annual Christmas tree dates way back, and it’s still one of the most beloved and popular traditions today. So, get ready for some holiday fun, because tree lightings are happening on a regular basis right now.
The Story Behind Michigan State Christmas Tree
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget always picks the official state Christmas tree, and this year, it’s a 60-foot spruce from Eagle in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Rich and Dorcas Albertson of Eagle donated the tree. The tree is already in downtown Lansing and ready to get lit on November 22 at Silver Bells in the City.
“The decision to donate our tree is bittersweet – it’s a beautiful tree, and we love it. We have enjoyed it in our front yard for over 27 years, but it’s overgrowing its spot and encroaching on our driveway. We will sure miss it,” the Albertsons said. “When we first moved in, we hung lights on the tree each Christmas before it got too big. It will be nice to see it adorned with lights one more time this holiday season.”
The United States Capitol Christmas Tree is obviously also a big deal. The tree is known as the “People’s Tree” and has stood at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol every year since 1970. It comes from a national forest.
This year’s tree comes from the Alaska Region of the Forest Service. “An annual symbol of hope and celebration, the tree offers an opportunity to showcase Alaska’s majestic landscape, unique culture, rich traditions, diverse ecosystems and abundant resources,” the Forest Service states. “The tree symbolizes Alaskans’ connection to the lands they call home.”
“On behalf of the hundreds of Forest Service employees who call Alaska Home, please know that as Team Alaska, we are overjoyed to be able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and to spread joy and cheer across the country,” Alaska Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer said in a statement.
As for the history of the beautiful Christmas tree, it didn’t start in the U.S., of course. “Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition—as we now know it—by the 16th century when sources record devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce,” History states. Contact me with your favorite local Christmas events.
