The Local Famous Christmas Tree #ThursdayTreeLove

I took this picture from a TV program on my television in late November.  I hope the TV network people don't mind.

This is the 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City just after its tree lighting ceremony.

Just a few days before, it was growing peacefully in Vestal, New York, perhaps a mile or two from where spouse and I exercise walk on the Vestal Rail Trail.  To the best of my knowledge, I never saw it while it was in the ground.

It is (or was) a Norway Spruce, 80 feet (24.38 m) tall, 43 feet (13.11 m) wide, weighing 12 tons (10,886 kg).  Each year there is a hunt for the perfect tree for Rockefeller Center, continuing a tradition begun in 1931 by construction workers building the Center.  

It's considered a great honor for your tree to be chosen - it must fit into several specific requirements.  The homeowner or land owner doesn't get paid, but they can attend the ceremony if they wish.

Here's the story of the person who donated the tree - a social worker and assistant professor at Binghamton University.

It is lit daily, starting November 29, through January 13, 2024, with some 50,000 energy saving LED lights and a 900 pound (408.23 kg) star tops it.

I can be sad about the death of this 80-85 year old tree (its estimated age) but this tree will bring joy to so many people visiting or living New York City this holiday season.  After its reign is over, it will be milled into lumber for use by Habitat for Humanity.

And the donor will receive a new tree.

Joining Parul at Happiness and Food for #ThursdayTreeLove.