Christmas elf of New York: who chooses the Christmas tree for Rockefeller Center

Of all New York's holiday traditions, visiting Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christmas tree continues to be a source of timeless magic. No matter what happens in politics or culture, the feeling of awe, excitement, and nostalgia always creates a delightful surge of emotion. Year after year, we wait for the exciting New Year's spectacle to take place in the city center. But there is one mystery: how does the forest beauty get to the square from year to year? I would like to know who chooses it. This question was answered in The center magazine.

Eric Pause is Rockefeller Center's head gardener and the real Santa Claus of the Christmas trees. Every year for the past 30 years, Pause has been instrumental in locating, growing and transporting Norway Spruce, which is then turned into Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree.

From logistics to purchasing the green beauty, Pause is at the center of the operation (he's also responsible for the rest of Rockefeller Center's magnificent gardens). Although Eric Pause has been leading this process for a long time, on reflection, he said that little has changed over the years, because the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree remained unchanged. As is the Swarovski-encrusted star that has always been at the top of the forest beauty since its inception in 2004. Fun fact: the latest star, introduced in 2018, is equipped with over 3 million crystals, as well as LED bulbs.

How to become the person who chooses the most famous Christmas tree in the world?

E.P.: I have loved planting and landscaping since early childhood. And did nothing else. I started working as a summer assistant at Rockefeller Center when I was in college in 1988. Then I came back after school and just started taking on more and more responsibility.

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What is the tree search process like each year?

E.P.: Every time it's a little different. Throughout the year, almost every day I think about the main Christmas tree of this year, as well as next year.

This year, someone sent me a photo of a tree in Glens Falls, New York. I decided to look at him. On the way, I passed another tree in a wasteland [in Queensbury] and thought to myself, “I need to get back to it.” When I finished with the other tree, I went back and walked up and down both sides of the street and took some pictures. I then called several people to find out who the owner of the spruce was, and made an appointment to take a closer look at it.

Every year, a Norwegian beauty becomes the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Why this particular type of tree, and what made this year's Christmas tree fit in every way?

E.P.: I'm looking for a tree that you would like to see in your living room, but only on a larger scale. It should be in perfect shape from all sides. And most importantly, it should look good for those kids turning the corner at 30 Rock. It should instantly bring a smile to their faces and a feeling of happiness.

Norwegian spruce is magnificent in the scope that it can achieve. She can hold fires on her branches, besides she stands beautifully and proudly, as befits a festive tree. This year the tree is 25 meters high and 15 meters in diameter. When I saw it above the rooftops of several stores, I didn't expect the bottom to look as good as the top. When he came closer, he realized that she was perfect. I thought then that it was time to take her to Rockefeller Center.

What happens when you find a tree?

E.P.: I found the main Christmas tree for this year back in May. I went upstairs several times - this is what I do with all the trees to water them, feed them and measure them. Moving a spruce is in itself an operation that can take months to plan and execute. From wrapping each branch of the tree so it doesn't bend or break, to shrinking the width so it can be transported seamlessly.

After doing this so many times, what is your favorite part of the process?

E.P.: The scouting process is my favorite because along the way I meet and communicate with wonderful people, many of whom I still keep in touch with today. Another favorite part of me is seeing the end result of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree with all its decorations. I remember when I was a little kid, my parents took me to New York to see the main tree. I was walking down Fifth Avenue, I saw her and was incredibly fascinated.