For Jackie McGinley and her community, it was a moment plucked straight from a holiday movie scene. An 80-year-old, 80-foot Norway Spruce, once a proud fixture of her Vestal property, had transformed into a global spectacle – the official 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This incredible journey highlights a heartwarming chapter in the extended Rockefeller Family Tree of traditions, showcasing a spirit of generosity and community connection.
McGinley, an assistant professor at Binghamton University’s social work department, along with her family, traced the tree’s path to the heart of New York City. They were treated to an exclusive dinner overlooking Rockefeller Center, an experience culminating in their participation in the iconic tree lighting ceremony. McGinley and her family had the honor of pressing the button that illuminated over 50,000 twinkling lights, bringing the majestic tree to life. Adding to the magic, her daughters even had a memorable encounter with Kelly Clarkson.
The McGinley family at Rockefeller Center for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, experiencing the magic firsthand.
“It still feels a little bit surreal. You sort of question, ’Did that really happen?’” McGinley reflected, capturing the dreamlike quality of the experience.
However, this iconic tree embodies more than just holiday cheer. It has become a tangible symbol of seasonal goodwill and charitable giving. After enchanting millions with its dazzling lights and grandeur, the tree’s journey took another meaningful turn, promising joy to a family within the local community.
Continuing a tradition established in 2007, Tishman Speyer, the management company of Rockefeller Center, orchestrated the donation of the celebrated Christmas tree to Habitat for Humanity (HFH). This year marked a significant development: Rockefeller trees would be returned to their communities of origin. McGinley’s tree, deeply rooted in her Vestal home, was thoughtfully milled into lumber, destined for a new home construction project just across the river in Johnson City.
“That felt so meaningful to us, that the tree would get to come back here to the community that felt so invigorated, enlivened…” McGinley explained, emphasizing the profound connection between the tree and its origins. “People were so proud that the tree came from their backyard, from their hometown. And so we were really excited to see that come back here and to continue that tradition.”
Lateisha Judge, the executive director of Broome County HFH, recounted her joyful reaction upon receiving the news about the tree’s return. Judge, who had admired numerous Rockefeller trees over the years, was unaware of the collaboration that would bring this year’s tree back to her community. She initially believed the call informing her was a prank, underscoring the unexpected delight of the announcement.
“That fact in and of itself is really cool. Because that home, wherever it’s used, is going to have a piece of history. It’s really symbolic to know that we were going to be able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and partake in this symbolic gifting,” Judge stated, highlighting the historical and symbolic weight of the donation. “And then I thought it was really beautiful, the whole initiative to return the tree to its roots, trying to make it whole again.”
The spruce wood, known for its softness, is not suitable for structural framing. Instead, it will be repurposed to build essential pantry and general shelving for a house under construction on West Street in Johnson City. The dedicated HFH crew is working diligently to ensure the building is “weather-tight” before the harsh winter conditions arrive. A partner family, yet to be chosen, is anticipated to move into their new home in the coming year, benefiting directly from this unique piece of Rockefeller history.
A Habitat for Humanity volunteer crafted a sculpture from the Rockefeller Christmas tree wood as a gift for the McGinley family, symbolizing community appreciation.
In addition to its use in home construction, a portion of the milled wood was used to create shelves for Habitat’s local warehouse. Furthermore, showcasing the community’s spirit, a volunteer associated with the HFH office skillfully used a small section of the lumber to sculpt a thoughtful gift for McGinley and her family.
“It was really exciting, and it was incredibly generous that the volunteer made the item for us, but we were more excited that this gave us another chance to champion an organization in our community that is doing so much good,” McGinley reiterated, shifting the focus from personal recognition to community support. “The story is not about us; it’s not about where we are. It’s really about where the wood is and what good it’s doing in our community.”
McGinley, in turn, extended her own gesture of goodwill. Maintaining contact with Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener who selected her tree, she was kept informed about the next chosen family’s tree.
“We were also able to send an ornament that we had made from our tree, and a card that actually had the artwork that one of our local community members made on the front of it with the tree depicted to the next family, and just welcome them to this large, totally magical, entirely unexpected group of people that have this shared experience,” McGinley shared, illustrating the ripple effect of kindness and shared joy. “And that’s been very exciting to be able to welcome the next family into that fold.”
As the holiday season unfolds, the McGinley family enjoys a different kind of gift. Pauze revisited their home in the spring, ensuring the tree stump was removed, the lawn re-leveled, and new soil laid. He also delivered a special gift from Rockefeller Center.
“They planted a number of trees that are 20-feet tall,” McGinley revealed, expressing her appreciation for the unexpected generosity. “Absolutely gorgeous, and a splurge that we would have never indulged ourselves.”
While their holiday season this year might be “slightly” less eventful than their whirlwind 2023, it is no less meaningful. The McGinleys are happily back to their cherished traditions, celebrating at home with loved ones. McGinley still appreciates occasional messages and mentions of the Rockefeller tree, but she is content to step away from the spotlight, allowing new families to experience their own magical moments.
“It’s a joy when we hear a detail about it and we get to remember our experience, but it was never about us,” McGinley concluded, reinforcing the selfless spirit at the heart of the story. “It doesn’t feel like something we’re hyper-focused on, because it’s really always just about the community and the people who get to enjoy it.”
Judge echoed this sentiment, recognizing the broader impact of the tree’s journey.
“It’s full circle,” Judge reflected. “It already served its purpose; it grew here. Then it provided the joy of the holiday season to millions of people in the city, and then it comes back to us to provide a family a chance at having a home. I love that.”
This heartwarming narrative, sparked by a single Norway Spruce, beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of communities and the enduring power of giving. From a local backyard to the global stage at Rockefeller Center and back again, this Christmas tree’s story is a testament to the spirit of the season and the far-reaching branches of kindness, reflecting the values often associated with the Rockefeller name and its legacy of philanthropy.
