Hi All … Ciao a Tutti!
I had expected to send this out to you last week, but as you all know life gets in the way sometimes, thus a delay. It’s all good tho, just time got away from me. And it’s not such a bad thing to extend the Holiday, it’s such a special time of year!
Anyhoo…the reason I wanted to write is because I find it interesting in talking to many people; seasoned New Yorkers, as well as newbies to the city, that most don’t know what happens to the Tree once the festivities are over. It doesn’t just get tossed in the trash or lined up on the sidewalk like so many of our poor little Christmas tree corpses (sigh).
Oh no no no my jingle bells, in fact the Tree continues to provide long after the lights go out. You see, since 2007, the trees have been donated to Habitat for Humanity International to be milled into lumber to build and/or improve affordable homes. First, it’s cut into large pieces which are then transported to a mill in New Jersey for some sawing. Then the pieces are dried in a kiln, milled, and planed into soft and smooth beams. Next, they are shipped to the Habitat affiliate chosen to receive the lumber. Most of the time Habitat strives to bring it to the community where the tree was grown. Pretty cool right?
Sharing an excerpt of Rockefeller Center’s Newsletter about some recent lucky recipients:
Lumber from the 2011 and 2014 Trees was used to build the framework of multiple homes in Philadelphia
Wood from the 2007 Tree was used to build a new home with a family in Pascagoula, Mississippi that was displaced by Hurricane Katrina
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, a few beams from the 2013 Tree were incorporated into every home built for several years
In the past, the wood has been used in parts of the home where it can be seen by the family every day
Some Habitat homes even have exposed pieces of lumber branded with stamps commemorating its time as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
More info on the Trees’ journey to Habitat Homes HERE
I thought you’d like to know this interesting tidbit about our beloved Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
And I also want to share that there’s still time to have a last visit!! I took a twirl up there and the Tree is still beaming in all its sparkling glory. I spoke with the Mayor of Rockefeller Center and he said it will be up until Saturday night. And let me tell you, it was absolutely empty when I was there…see for yourself - above is a few weeks ago, and below was Thursday afternoon. So if you haven’t had the chance to go, well then get your butts over there in the next 24 hours and bid the Tree a fond farewell…Ciao Ciao Bella!
Wishing you all a Bright and Beautiful New Year! May it be filled with wonder, play, passion, good health, adventure, laughter, new lessons for growth, and most of all … Magic and Miracles! Magia e Miracoli!
Big Love, PatriciaG
A reminder that PatriciaG’s Gift Shop is open all year round and I’ll be adding new items for winter, spring, and some more Italia! I’d appreciate it if you considered me for your gift buying options. Thank you…Grazie mille!