The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A Heartfelt Tribute to Lesley Albert
For nearly six decades, a Norway Spruce stood proudly in the front yard of Earl and Lesley Albert’s home in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This tree, planted by the newlywed couple in 1967, had witnessed the milestones of their family: from the opening of their grocery store in 1968 to the birth of their son Michael, and the joy of family gatherings. Through decades of family history, it quietly grew, becoming a symbol of love, tradition, and community.
However, in 2020, Lesley Albert passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that would be honored in a way no one could have predicted. Two days after her death, as if by divine intervention, the Albert family received an unexpected visit from Erik Pauze, the head gardener responsible for selecting the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Pauze had spotted the towering Norway Spruce while driving nearby, and instantly knew he had found the perfect tree for New York City’s most iconic holiday tradition.
A Sign From Above
The visit was nothing short of serendipitous. The family saw it as a sign from Lesley, who had adored Christmas, decorating their tree for every holiday. Earl Albert, who considered the gesture an incredible honor, quickly agreed to donate the 74-foot, 11-ton tree to Rockefeller Center. As Earl reflected, he believed his late wife would be thrilled to see her tree bring joy to millions around the world during the holiday season.
For Michael Albert, this donation was a chance to honor his mother’s generous spirit. “She was a giving person,” he said, describing Lesley as not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a part-time school nurse who was beloved in the community. Donating the tree to such a public cause, Michael believed, was the perfect tribute to her legacy—a way to share her love for Christmas with the world.
The Journey of a Christmas Tree
The tree’s journey from Massachusetts to Manhattan was no small feat. In November, the Norway Spruce was carefully cut down, and using a crane, it was lowered onto a flatbed truck for its 135-mile trip to New York. Once in Rockefeller Center, it would be adorned with 50,000 twinkling lights, becoming the centerpiece of the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, an event watched by millions on NBC.
While the Albert family will proudly see their tree grace the Rockefeller Plaza, they know it will serve a greater purpose beyond the holiday season. After the festivities, the tree will be milled into lumber, and the wood will be used to build homes for those in need through Habitat for Humanity. This sustainable act of giving reflects the spirit of generosity that Lesley Albert embodied throughout her life.
A Community Celebration
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting is more than just a holiday tradition for the Albert family—it’s a deeply personal and emotional moment. After Lesley’s passing, the family was unable to hold a proper funeral due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Shawn Albert, the tree lighting represents the gathering they never had, a way to finally honor Lesley in front of the world. As she recalled receiving a note from the previous year’s tree donors, she knew the moment would be filled with overwhelming emotion, “You’ll get chills, and just the emotion, it’s overwhelming,” the note read.
Earl Albert, who has been recovering from a stroke, is determined to attend the ceremony in person and witness the lighting of the tree that has such deep personal significance. With its roots in West Stockbridge and branches now stretching all the way to New York City, the Norway Spruce is a symbol of a lifetime of memories, joy, and family love.
As the lights are switched on for the first time, Earl will undoubtedly be thinking of Lesley—her love for trees, for Christmas, and for the family she helped nurture under the very branches that now grace Rockefeller Plaza.
