In a profound act of love and remembrance, Judy Russ is sharing a piece of her family’s history with the world, fulfilling a lifelong dream she shared with her late husband, Dan Russ. The towering Norway spruce, which once stood outside their home in upstate New York, has been selected as the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, serving as a magnificent tribute to Dan’s legacy.
Five years after Dan Russ passed away at the age of 32, Judy made the decision to realize a dream the couple had often discussed: seeing their cherished spruce grace the heart of Manhattan during the holiday season.
“As my husband has passed away, I know he would have loved to have been here for this moment,” Judy shared with NBC correspondent Joe Fryer on Today. “We always talked about it being the (Rockefeller Center) tree. It’s so special that my family’s tree gets to be America’s, if not the world’s, Christmas tree.”
From East Greenbush to Midtown
The majestic 75-foot-tall tree made its grand journey from the Russ family home in East Greenbush, New York, arriving at Rockefeller Center on the morning of November 8.
The tree itself carries deep family roots, having been planted by Dan’s great-grandparents approximately 75 years ago. For the Russ family, it was more than just a large tree; it was a fixture of their lives, and for their 7-year-old son, Liam, it was a “personal jungle gym.” Liam expressed his excitement, adding, “I’m excited that the whole world can see it.”
The idea took flight after Judy and Liam visited the previous year’s Rockefeller Center tree. Inspired, Judy reached out to a family friend who had a relative working at the Center. Soon after, Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, confirmed the selection. The Norway spruce is now set to be decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored lights and crowned with the iconic Swarovski star.
A Legacy of Joy and Cheer
The official tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, an event Judy and Liam plan to attend. Judy admits the emotional significance will be overwhelming, saying, “Well, I cry at home in my living room when the tree is lit, so I’m probably going to be inconsolable that day, but it’s going to be great.”
She has chosen to dedicate every shining light on the iconic tree to her late husband, ensuring his spirit is at the center of the world’s holiday celebration.
“Spread joy, spread cheer, love one another. Think of our family, think of my husband, think of us. We’re just happy to share it with everybody,” she shared.
🌟 Notable Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Facts
The selection and display of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are steeped in tradition and data:
- Tree Origin: The tradition of using a Norway spruce dates back many decades, chosen for its durability, dense branches suitable for holding lights and ornaments, and its classic conical shape.
- The First Tree: The very first tree at the location was erected by construction workers in 1931 during the building of Rockefeller Center during the Great Depression. The first official lighting ceremony was held in 1933.
- Lights and Star: The trees are typically adorned with over 50,000 lights. The iconic Swarovski Star, which has topped the tree since 2004, is designed by architects and engineers and is composed of millions of crystals.
- Post-Holiday Destiny: Since 2007, the lumber from the retired Christmas tree has been donated to Habitat for Humanity to be milled and used in home building, extending its legacy of good cheer beyond the holiday season.