TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today, in celebration of the holiday season, will host the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. He began the tradition last year, his first holiday season in office.

 

“Christmas is a wonderful time for all Floridians to share with family and friends, and to be thankful for our many blessings,” said Governor Charlie Crist.  “This tree truly belongs to the people of Florida, each of whom I wish a healthy holiday season. And I encourage my fellow Floridians to help those who are less fortunate, so that we might all enjoy safe, happy holidays.”

 

The Christmas tree is decorated with low-energy outdoor light-emitting diode (LED) lights to reduce energy costs, one of the Governor’s priorities.  After the holidays, the tree will be recycled through the City of Tallahassee’s recycling program to create wood chips for landscaping mulch that will be available at no cost to area residents.  All decorations have been donated to the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation at no cost to the State of Florida. 

 

Governor Crist will host a menorah lighting ceremony later this month at the Governor’s Mansion in celebration of Hanukkah. 

 

At the ceremony, Governor Crist will announce the availability of the 2008 holiday ornament. The sixth in the series, the 2008 “Lafayette Clock” metal ornament features the historic, 19th-century clock that graces the marble fireplace mantel of the State Reception Room, surrounded by Florida orange blossoms and palm fronds. Ornaments are available online at www.floridashistoryshop.com or in any of the Capitol gift shops, Museum of Florida History Gift Shop and My Favorite Things in Tallahassee. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation.

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