www.timeout.com/newyork: Rockefeller Center just got its annual jolt of holiday spirit, and several tons of Norway spruce, thanks to the arrival of this year’s Christmas tree, freshly hauled in from East Greenbush, New York. The 75-foot titan rolled into midtown on Saturday after a one-and-a-half-day journey that involved a flatbed truck, a police escort and precision road-choreography that’s normally reserved for popes and presidents.
7 comments:
The very first time I went to New York City, I was in seventh grade, and a blizzard had just hit. I remember walking through the bitter cold to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. I knew it was big, but you truly cannot comprehend the scope until you see it in person. I, of course, thought, Wow how does one find a tree that big but I never seriously stopped to consider where it comes from or how it gets there. Having the job of scouting for a massive Christmas tree must be so strange. I love that they sometimes knock on random stranger's doors in order to get the perfect tree. If I had a massive tree in my space, I would be very sad to see it go, however, I bet it is quite rewarding for the patrons who donate trees to see it bring so many people joy. I also did not know that it goes into Habitat for Humanity to be repurposed into homes. It is truly a wonderful way to bring nature into the city.
I found this article to be really interesting! I have loved looking at the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree over the years, but have never really thought about how it was put up. After reading this article, it is a long process. It is crazy to think that the tree itself is over 6 decades old, which is way older than me. On top of that it has been through a months long preparation process by the lead Rockefeller gardner, where he waters it, feeds it, and gently cajoles it. This year's tree is about 75 feet tall and has a diameter of about 45 feet. I am really curious how they pitch this whole process to the owners of these trees. Anyways, after all this work there is still more to do. They still have to put up over 50,000 leds on the tree. This is just mind boggling, as that is over 5 miles of wiring.
It’s very interesting to know that not only is the installation of this Christmas tree a whole ordeal involving a lot of logistics in transportation and getting it stood up to be up for the remainder of the holiday season, but also that the tree itself is very intentionally cared for in the months leading up to its installation and that the tree is often looked for even further in advance. As such, I wonder what that ‘gardening’ process is like and if there is ever any discovery in that process that might lead to a change of tree. To that point, does the engineer typically have to approve the particular tree? Or given the species and dimensions are they able to ensure that it will work for the installation? Overall, much more to be discovered about this installation and all the particular details that have to be looked over to ensure a staple is properly maintained and restored year after year.
I’ve actually never seen the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in person and honestly didn’t know much about it before reading this article, so learning about the whole process was surprisingly interesting. I always thought it was just a big tree they stuck in the plaza every year, but I didn’t realize how much logistics, planning, and care goes into it. The idea that a 60 year old spruce gets scouted, watered, measured, and basically pampered for months beforehand makes the tradition feel a lot more thoughtful. I also had no idea that the tree gets decorated with over 50,000 LEDs and a 900-pound Swarovski star. That is way more intense than I imagined. What I like most is that after all the hype and crowds, the tree gets repurposed for Habitat for Humanity instead of being wasted. Even though I’ve never experienced the tree myself, this article made me appreciate how meaningful the whole tradition actually is. It would be nice if I could see it in person.
I remember when I was younger, I used to visit the Rockefeller Center and see the tree almost every year. My most vivid memory was when I was really young, and I begged to go to the American Girl Doll store. My mom, my cousin, and I went, and afterwards, we saw the tree. All I remember about that day is the size and magnitude of the tree. Wow. The insane amount of lights, the ornaments, the size of my head. Now that I'm older, and I understand the work it takes to install and maintain, I want to go back so bad. Not only to skate, but to see the spectacle that is the tree. I had no idea that there were 50,000 LED lights (or that the star is the same every year!), or that the wood got donated to Habitat for Humanity after the holiday season is over.
I love reading fun articles like these! Growing up I have always admired how well decorated and lit up they would make the tree. I found it so cool that there’s about 50,000 LED lights all across that tree. Also, the fact that it’s equivalent to 5 miles of lights, it’s crazy how much can fit in that one tree. It’s also nice to know how much time and effort is put into taking care of the tree prior to it being taken to Rockefeller Plaza. I think Erik Pauze has a pretty fun job, imagine you get a knock on your door from a random guy asking to chop down your giant tree in your yard to take it to New York City. Though I do wonder how far they venture out to find the trees they use. I feel like a lot of time has passed to where they need to go out even further beyond the state of New York.
As someone that grew up always wanting to see the tree and watching videos of it getting brought into New York I never thought about how they actually were going to put it up. After being here for a bit and getting some understanding of lights and carpentry and all of the things that would influence a project like this, It is so impressive that they can do this every year and I really like how they kept this tradition going because it's just such an amazing staple of New York and just such a lovely tradition that they have. I really wish that these articles were more mainstream because I think everybody would learn to appreciate this more if they knew how big of a project this was and how much effort it takes to do this every year. I really hope one day I can see it and experience it for myself.
Post a Comment