Tennessee officials are on the lookout for the perfect State Capitol Christmas tree and are inviting residents to get in on the holiday action. Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee have leveraged the spirit of community in their annual call to find a tree that symbolizes the state's unity, according to a recent announcement received by the Tennessee Department of General Services. "Each year, Maria and I look forward to continuing the Tennessee tradition of generosity throughout the holiday season," Gov. Bill Lee said. "As we embark on the search for a Christmas tree, I invite Tennesseans to join us in working together to find an evergreen that embodies the spirit, unity, and pride of Tennessee as we prepare our hearts to receive the ultimate gift, the birth of Christ."
The state is searching specifically for a Norway Spruce, ideally standing somewhere between 30 and 40 feet tall. To recommend a tree, residents are expected to simply send photos, along with their contact information and the tree’s whereabouts, to the designated email address: [email protected]. In an attempt to wholeheartedly embrace local cultures, the state is also seeking ornament donations that represent Tennessee or specific local communities. These ornaments will grace the Capitol Christmas Tree, creating a tapestry of state-wide representation.
The process for ornament donation is straightforward: Individuals or groups should send their contribution along with their name, a mailing address, an email address, and a brief description of the ornament's significance. Not all donations may be displayed this year, but the State will retain donations for potential use in future years.
The chosen tree is set to be lit up by the governor during the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This event is part of the broader "Christmas at the Capitol" celebration slated for December 2, a week after Thanksgiving.
