Tennessee seeks Christmas tree and Christmas decorations for the State Capitol – www.elizabethton.com

The Tennessee Department of General Services and the Office of the Governor are calling on Tennessee residents to help find the perfect Christmas tree for the State Capitol and to contribute ornaments for the decoration.

“Every year, Maria and I look forward to continuing the Tennessee tradition of generosity throughout the holiday season,” said Governor Bill Lee. “As we embark on our Christmas tree search, I invite Tennesseans to join us in finding an evergreen tree that embodies Tennessee's spirit, unity and pride as we prepare our hearts to receive the ultimate gift, the birth of Christ.”

The state is seeking a spruce (or similar) tree between 30 and 40 feet tall to serve as the Capitol Christmas tree this year. Residents who would like to nominate a tree should send photos of the tree, along with their contact information and the tree's location, to [email protected]. In addition to the tree search, the state invites Tennesseans to donate ornaments that symbolize Tennessee or their local community to decorate the Capitol Christmas tree. Those interested in donating an ornament should include the following information with the ornament:

– Individual or group name

– Postal address

– E-mail address

– A brief description of the ornament and its meaning

Although all ornaments may not be used this year, the state will hold donations for possible use in future years. The tree selected will be lit by Governor Lee during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony as part of the Capitol's Christmas celebration on Monday, December 2, following Thanksgiving. This initiative provides Tennesseans with a unique opportunity to participate in a beloved holiday tradition and show their state pride.