It was no surprise that spectators were left questioning the 2020 Rockefeller Center Tree after its arrival on November 14. Many believed the 75 foot Norway Spruce was a metaphor for the troubling times faced over the last year. When the New York governor enacted restrictions on holiday gatherings and transit into the city, many realized social media would be the only way they would get a glance at the tree this holiday season. Therefore, viewers sprung on the opportunity to comment on the underwhelming appearance of the 2020 Rockefeller Center Tree.
Social media users ridiculed the believed to be 75-80 year old Norway Spruce, comparing it to the Charlie Brown tree, regarding its sparse visage. The tree was donated by Al Dick of Daddy Al’s General Store located in Oneonta, NY, approximately 200 miles from the metropolitan area. Rockefeller Center defended the tree after its 200 mile journey on its Twitter, “Wow, you all must look great right after a two-day drive, huh? Just wait until I get my light on. See you December 2!” (Twitter @rocketcenternyc)
While beauty may not have been the tree’s best attribute, one could definitely describe it as homey. Days after the tree arrived in the city, a small vagabond was discovered- Rocky, the Saw-whet owl. The owl got its name, Rockefeller, from where she was discovered by workers who were decorating the infamous tree. Upon discovery, it was noted the tiny owl had not eaten or had anything to drink in roughly three days. Rocky was transported to Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, New York, where she would recover and later be released.
On December 2nd the 45 foot wide tree was illuminated with 50,000 multicolor LED lights and topped with a Swarovski star. The star was designed by Daniel Libeskind in 2018, and features 3 million Swarovski crystals.
When the 2020 holiday season comes to an end, the tree will be milled and the lumber will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Image Credit: Alex Haney