One can hardly blame us if we’ve begun to sing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …” under our breath. Between stores making the instantaneous switch from spooky season to holiday cheer and certain cable networks already running Christmas-miracle romances, it really is beginning to look like “the most wonderful time of the year.” Especially since the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be in our own backyard tomorrow afternoon.
The 63-foot Norway Spruce was harvested from the Monongahela National Forest last week and has made several stops throughout the state as it meanders towards Washington, D.C. for the Nov. 28 dedication. The tree is decorated with handmade ornaments crafted by a combination of Mountain State school children and volunteers using natural and recyclable materials. This year, ornaments were asked to represent certain themes: Appalachian culture — West Virginia style; famous West Virginians; iconic spots in West Virginia; and West Virginia flora, fauna, outdoor recreation, history and state symbols.
Not only is it an honor to have one of the Mountain State’s gorgeous trees selected to be on display in the nation’s capital, but it’s also a one-of-kind opportunity to show off the talent and creativity of our people, especially our youth. The rest of the country doesn’t always have the best impression of us; now, we can display the best of our state’s people and natural beauty on a national stage.
If you’d like to see the massive West Virginia-grown evergreen for yourself, it will be at 84 Lumber, 3208 Earl L. Core Road, tomorrow from 3-5 p.m., and it’ll make another local stop at Operation Welcome Home Saturday.
Tomorrow’s event will feature food, giveaways, displays from and sessions with the U.S. Forest Service — including the opportunity to meet Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear — as well as pictures with Santa. You’ll also have the chance to sign the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree truck banner, which will travel with the tree all the way to D.C.
Whether we’re ready for it or not, the holiday season is upon us. Might as well go the whole nine yards — or, more accurately, 21 yards — and go see the Capitol Christmas Tree.
