What the state Capitol tree stands for towers over what we call it
When the Association of Washington Business got involved in the Capitol Holiday Kids Tree more than 15 years ago, there was no tree in the rotunda of our state Capitol. Some AWB members approached me and said they thought a 30-foot tree in the rotunda during the holiday season would create a festive atmosphere for citizens.
After the first tree was brought in and decorated, it became readily apparent that children particularly were attracted to the tree. The few of us involved at the time decided to name it the Capitol Holiday Kids Tree, create a tree-lighting ceremony on the first Friday of December and to use surplus money after decorating expenses were paid to buy gifts for needy rural families. At first, we got lists of needy families from rural Olympia area volunteer fire departments and bought the gifts. Then when that became an overwhelming task, we decided to just award the 12 volunteer fire departments grants of $1,000 each to buy Christmas presents and food.
Today, it has become a tradition during this time of year for volunteer firefighters to shop, wrap and deliver the gifts to the families, often using their firetrucks. More than 100 people, mostly AWB members, donate money and the tree itself. Over the years, we have raised and donated more than $200,000 for this project, not counting the value of the 30-foot noble fir trees.
There has been little controversy over the tree. Our goals have been to have the tree, which is a symbol of generosity and giving, to spread goodwill and peace among all people, to put our state Capitol in the spirit of the season, to provide a joyous setting for people from all walks of life, regardless of religious or non-religious affiliation, and to help needy families.
How you see the tree is up to you. To me, it is a Christmas tree. To some of my Jewish friends, it may be a Christmas tree or it may be a Holiday tree. To others, it may be just a beautifully decorated tree in the rotunda of the state Capitol.
From our standpoint, what the tree is called is not the point. The important thing is what it stands for – helping needy children and families, working together for those less fortunate, and creating something beautiful that raises the spirits of all who see it. Hopefully, those good things will not be lost in an argument over what to call the tree.
To each, have a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and joyous holiday season. And if something I said has offended someone, I apologize. If something I’ve said is politically incorrect, bah humbug!