Capitol Christmas Tree lit with fanfare

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) said the beauty of New Mexico's public lands was well represented by the Capitol Christmas Tree at a lighting ceremony Dec. 6 on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.

"The People's Tree" was harvested from Carson National Forest in New Mexico and trucked to Washington, D.C. for its display.

It is a 60-foot blue spruce adorned with over 10,000 ornaments handcrafted by New Mexican schoolchildren and community members to reflect the state’s culture, history, landscapes, and wildlife.

“New Mexico is immensely honored that this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree comes from our state: from the Land of Enchantment – now enchanting the entire nation,” Udall said.

“As we delight in the beauty of the tree before us, let us also appreciate the beauty and majesty of our public lands. Let us recommit ourselves to protecting this natural heritage of ours. This tree from New Mexico now brings light to the nation’s capital, lighting the nation with values New Mexicans hold dear: love, diversity, and a celebration of one another… New Mexico is a proud multicultural state. Our diversity does not divide us. It defines us.”

Also at the ceremony were Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps Ben Ray Lujan, Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small.

They were joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Architect of the Capitol, Thomas J. Carroll III.

“As we look upon this great tree, a tree rooted in our great state, let us all remember the strength we achieve when all cultures, races, religions, and people in our nation are united,” Udall said.  

New Mexico native Chevel Shepherd, winner of NBC’s The Voice, performed a rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" at the ceremony.

The tree was ultimately lit by Asher Dean, a fourth-grader from Arroyo Seco, New Mexico whose won the 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest.

"This tree from New Mexico now brings light to the nation’s capital, lighting the nation with values New Mexicans hold dear: love, diversity, and a celebration of one another," Udall said.

"New Mexico is a proud multicultural state. Our diversity does not divide us. It defines us."