The "Oh, Christmas Tree... Oh, Christmas Tree... You Stand In Splendid Beauty! Story

It was an ordinary day.  Standing in front of a beautiful concolor fir tree that stands close to 35 feet tall and weighs close to 3,000 pounds.  It is located in the center of downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  

A couple who lives a few miles from my home in Lancaster donated the tree to the city so they can use it as the city's Christmas tree this year.  Kathy and Peter Hauser are the couple who donated the tree so Lancaster, Pennsylvania can celebrate Christmas in style.
They planted the tree in their yard 27 years ago, hoping it would fill the need of having a good smelling tree in their yard.  That need was more than fulfilled with the beautiful tree, which now seems to be overwhelming!  So, they placed a call to city hall offering the tree to the city so that it can help brighten the center of Lancaster during the Christmas holidays.  The tree was transported to the center of town on a truck and lifted in place with the use of a crane.  Kathy said that she and her husband are honored to have their tree stand in the center of the historic square for all to see during the holiday season.  

The tree was lit a few nights ago during the Mayor's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Kathy said that she and her family would come downtown every Christmas for the lighting ceremony and this year it was a bit more special.  Tim Martin, who helped cut down the tree at Kathy and Peter's home said it was more difficult than usual since the tree was so close to their house.  Tim, who works for Pennsylvania Power and Light, has been helping with cutting down and placing trees on the square for eight years now.  It's a challenge to place the tree on the square due to its height and weight, but it always works out.  This was Tim's final year, since he is retiring after 40 years with PPL.  After the tree branches settle in place, the decorating will take place.  3,000 bulbs will light the tree this year.  The Mayor's lighting took place on Friday, November 25 from 5-8 pm.  The tree lighting included Santa's arrival in center square.  It was a festive occasion.  If you live near the city of Lancaster, PA, please take some time and make a visit to downtown to see the tree.  I'm sure it was remarkable when those lights came on for the first time.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - The tree seems to be sitting at an angle in my top photograph, but it really was straight.  My guess is that I must have been leaning against the telephone pole at a rather strange angle when I took the photo.  Merry Christmas!