It’s starting to look very Christmassy.
Rockefeller Center announced on October 27th that this year’s iconic Christmas tree will be donated by the Russ family from East Greenbush, New York. The tree is a 75-year-old Norway spruce.
Judy Russ, who lives with her 7-year-old son, Liam, told Center Magazine, “I’m so excited to create more precious memories with my family and childhood friends when it becomes the World Christmas Tree.”
The tree was selected by Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, who is responsible for finding the right tree each year.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect,” he told Center Magazine.
Shan added that the tree was a monumental task. “I wanted a tree you would love to have in your living room, but on a larger scale,” he said. “It needed to bring a smile to people’s faces.”
This year will continue a nearly century-old tradition: In 1931, construction workers at Rockefeller Center erected a Christmas tree, marking its debut at the famous New York landmark. Two years later, Rockefeller Center held its inaugural tree lighting ceremony.
This article is reprinted from NBC News.
