Oh Christmas tree

Dec. 5, 2014 12:00 a.m.
Family and friends gather for annual tree lighting in Vaughan
 
Twelve-thousand lights lit up the Christmas tree at Vaughan City Hall as residents joined Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4.
 
Community events like the Christmas tree lighting give citizens of all ages in Vaughan an opportunity to come together. It’s a chance to remove ourselves from social media and email and experience the rich culture and diversity that exists in our City. It’s a true celebration of community and a worldwide symbol of the holidays in Vaughan.
 
People started putting lights — more specifically candles — on Christmas trees in the middle of the 17th century. These were attached to the end of tree branches with wax or pins and were adhered to the tree to represent shining stars. This tradition started in Germany and spread to Eastern Europe over the next two centuries.
 
The 35-foot tall Colorado blue spruce was delivered by Drysdale’s Tree Farms Ltd. — a sustainable tree farm where the tree had been growing for many years. For every tree that’s harvested, two more are grown in its place, and 25,000 tree seedlings were planted earlier in the spring.
 
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony featured festive music, holiday refreshments, children’s activities and photos with Santa Claus. In the spirit of the holiday season, people were asked to bring new, unwrapped toys for children aged newborn to 18 years of age. Toys will be donated to the fifth annual City of Vaughan Toy Drive in support of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, which ends Dec. 17.
 
QUOTE
 
“The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a time-honoured annual tradition that brings together family, friends and neighbours to usher in the holiday season. The lighting of the tree is a beacon of holiday culture that shines brilliantly — inspiring hope, compassion and the spirit of generosity. It’s also a special time to reflect, be thankful, make memories, embrace diversity and celebrate Vaughan’s vibrant community life.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
  • The Christmas tree is 35-feet tall.
  • The tree weighs 1,406 kilograms (3,100 pounds).
  • The tree was grown in an environmentally sound plantation of insect- and disease- tolerant trees that, while growing, provide a nature habitat for wildlife and help with soil retention.
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