Get ready to feel all the holiday feels — because this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comes with a story that’s straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Judy Russ from East Greenbush, New York, has donated the 75-foot-tall Norway spruce that will sparkle in front of Rockefeller Center this holiday season — all in memory of her late husband, Dan Russ.
“It’s so special that my family’s tree gets to be America’s, if not the world’s, Christmas tree,” Judy said on Today, standing proudly next to her 7-year-old son, Liam.
The massive evergreen had been growing in their yard for about 75 years — planted by Dan’s great-grandparents long before the couple ever dreamed it might one day light up Midtown Manhattan.
Dan tragically passed away five years ago at just 32. But the couple had often talked about one day seeing their towering spruce in Rockefeller Center. After visiting the famous tree last year, Judy and Liam realized the one in their yard looked like it belonged there.
A few phone calls later — and a little Christmas magic — brought Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, Erik Pauze, to their home. Soon, the Russ family’s beloved tree was on its way to New York City by flatbed truck.
“I think I just hallucinated, like, ‘We need to go back because there’s no way this is real, right?’” Judy joked.
The 11-ton spruce arrived in Manhattan on November 8 and will officially shine during the tree-lighting ceremony on December 3. Judy says she’ll be crying “inconsolably” — but they’ll be tears of joy.
“Well, I cry at home in my living room when the tree is lit, so I’m probably going to be inconsolable that day,” she said. “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.”
Little Liam couldn’t be prouder either: “I’m excited that the whole world can see it.”
From one family’s front yard to the world’s biggest Christmas stage — the Russ family’s tree is more than a holiday symbol this year. It’s a glowing reminder of love, legacy, and the joy of sharing something beautiful with the world.
[Source: Today]
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