Just as many of us are consuming the last of the leftovers from Thanksgiving a caravan of trucks is on the road.  They will gather up something that will kick off the Christmas season. When they bring their bounty back to midtown Manhattan seeing it will bring a smile to many faces.

Of all the Christmas traditions, joining the throngs of people at Rockefeller Center to see what we call “the tree” is one that is a must. The tradition of the tree began almost by accident. In 1931 John D. Rockefeller Jr. was on location watching his planned center of commerce and broadcasting being built on the 22 acres. Two of the structures being built on Fifth Avenue were the featured France and England buildings. A few days before Christmas some of the construction workers chipped in and bought a six-foot pine tree. They decorated it with screws, small metal buckets and other materials they had handy.

Rockefeller was standing in front of the main building at 30 Rock with one of his assistants.  They watched as passersbys on Fifth Avenue stopped and gathered around the decorated tree. Rockefeller told his assistant to note where they were standing. He said that every Christmas we should have a large, decorated pine tree right here. He added that it will attract crowds that might visit the stores and businesses. And so, it began.

It turns out finding the right pine that will become “the tree” is a full-time job. For over forty years finding the perfect tree was the responsibility of Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center. Although the tree gets most of the attention, Erik also manages the many gardens in the complex.

Finding the perfect tree requires lots of scouting around the six states that has the required Norway spruces. If he spots one, he will contact the owner of the property. Most owners are excited about the possibility that their tree will be selected.

Sometimes he sees a tree that might work but it needs a few years of growth to meet the height requirement. 

Here are the basic requirements. The tree must be at least 75 feet tall so it can provide a grand entrance to the skating rink area in front of 30 Rock. 

The tree should have a uniform and symmetrical shape. A conical full shape is required so the tree will look picturesque from every direction. 

The tree must have full branches with healthy vibrant needles to support all the lights it must hold. That is why Erik looks for a Norway spruce. Its sturdy branches can manage the weight of the decorations.

Sometimes people reach out to him saying their tree would be perfect. Word of mouth and the occasional television pieces have led to some success.

Once a potential tree is located, Erik and his team make a visit to see it and take pictures and measurements. They also take aerial images of the tree with drones.

After the perfect tree is selected the team contacts the property owner to get permission to harvest it. The owners are thrilled to know that their cherished tree will be a part of the Christmas spectacular at Rockefeller Center. The agreement includes arrangements for the transportation of the tree and any necessary restoration of the property after the tree is removed.

The actual harvesting of the tree is a very delicate coordinated operation that requires precision and expertise.  The tree is carefully cut down making sure that minimal damage is done to the branches and trunk. Slicing through the trunk takes a special touch. The slice must be intact and horizontal to allow the tree to take on water to maintain its beauty. After the tree is cut down it is wrapped and lifted by a crane to a 115-foot flatbed truck. The trip to Rockefeller Center is often escorted by police to ensure safe passage. Depending on where the tree was located, the journey to New York City can take several days. The transportation process is a spectacle in itself with people lining the streets of all the small towns to catch a glimpse of the tree that’s going to be at Rockefeller Center.

Upon arrival at Rockefeller Center, the tree is brought to its designated spot. The crane lifts the tree in place and workers secure it with cables to ensure it stands straight and tall. The installation process is followed by the decoration phase where the tree is decorated with 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a dazzling Swarovski crystal star at the top. The Swarovski crystal encrusted star that sits atop the tree features over three million crystals.

Wishing all my readers a wonderful holiday season!

Hudson Cooper is a resident of Sullivan County, a writer, comedian and actor.