This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has a touching story reminiscent of a Hallmark holiday movie. The 74-foot tall Norway spruce was planted in 1967 by Earl and Leslie Albert as newlyweds in the front yard of their West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home. Over the decades, the tree grew from a waist-high sapling into the towering beauty it is today. Tragically, Leslie passed away in 2020 at the age of 78, and just two days later, Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center, discovered the tree by chance. Pauze’s timely discovery was seen by the family as a sign, especially as Leslie had adored Christmas and all its traditions. Earl Albert was deeply honored to donate the tree to Rockefeller Center, believing it to be one of the greatest honors of his life, and felt that Leslie would have been thrilled by the gesture. This story not only honors Leslie’s memory but also brings a piece of her holiday spirit to the heart of New York City, delighting thousands of visitors.
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