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Every year, the giant tree in Rockefeller Center is unveiled to some fanfare. But no tree is likely to top the tree that the city had in 1949. After years in which war-time trees stood stoically without lights, New Yorkers got a tree to remember. The Bowery Boys describe the spectacle:
Perhaps knowing the mild temperatures that awaited that season — it would only snow two inches between November 1949 and January 1950 — the Rockefeller Center holiday designers decided to spray paint the gigantic 75-foot tree in hundreds of gallons of whimsical silver paint. It was then engulfed in 7,500 electric lights in pastel colors — pink, blue, yellow, green and orange, described as “plucked from a sky in fairyland.”
Not only was the tree covered in silver paint and lights, the walkway leading up to it was lined with 576 snowflakes that whirled dizzily. In fact, the display was so bright and wild that it caused one of the worst traffic jams the New York Times had seen in years. Cars were reportedly trapped between 72nd Street and 41st Street for hours.
Although this years tree has far more lights (45,000 in total) and induce plenty of traffic, it won’t be quite the silver, spinning whirlwind of 1949.
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Decorating an outside tree is just one way you can have a greener holiday season. Photo: Shutterstock
‘Tis the season to start looking for the perfect tree to light up your home for the holidays.
Since most Christmas trees are grown on reputable farms, live trees are now a more eco-friendly option than artificial trees, which are made from nonrecyclable materials. But if you’re looking to go even greener this season, there are other sustainable options available.
Many nurseries now offer the option to rent out live trees, and some even come fully decorated. The renter simply waters the tree throughout the season, then takes it back to the nursery to be cared for until the next year.
No tree-renting nurseries near you? Why not get a plantable bulb tree? After the holidays, you can plant it outdoors, further lowering your carbon footprint.
Decorate your yard and your tree at the same time by planting and decorating an outside Christmas tree. Another perk — you get to appreciate it year-round, not just during the holidays.
If you’re still inclined to get a cut tree, there are several recycling options available. Leftover trees can be used for mulch, erosion, habitat creation and more. Check out our treecycling search to find a recycling option near you.
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David Richards, an Australian father and lawyer, just took the title of Guinness World Record for most decked-out, Christmas light-strewn home. Over the month of October, he strung up 29 miles of wire, consisting of 502,165 single bulbs, the Atlantic reports.
This is not Richards’ first time at the Christmas light record rodeo, however. He claimed that title back in 2001, with a paltry 331,038 lights, according to the Atlantic. He lost the title last year when a family in New York slapped up 346,283 lights. The price of bright, shining victory is steep, however. As the Atlantic reports, Richards’ electricity bill will increase by some $2,000 per month until it’s lights out for the display.
Besides reclaiming the Guinness gold, Richards said he put up the display to raise money for charity, NPR says. Proceeds will go to SIDS and Kids Act, groups that fight and raise awareness about sudden infant death syndrome. In 2011, NPR writes, a smaller light show he put on generated around $70,000 in donations.
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A Twinkling Christmas Tree Powered By an Electric Eel
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With 502,165 Bulbs, Australian Man Retakes World Record for Most Christmas Lights on a Single Home
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