The Christmas trees at the state Capitol have been lit and will be on display until early January.
First Lady Susan Corbett and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard pressed the button to turn on 800 energy-saving lights, but the cue came from two kids standing on either side of Governor Corbett.
"For the next few weeks in the month of December, hopefully we will act a little kinder towards each other, a little gentler towards each other, and, obviously, hopefully a little more generous towards one another," the governor said.
The tree came from Crystal Springs Tree Farm in Carbon County.
Owner Chris Botek says his farm’s trees have been displayed in the Capitol for the past 17 years.
"The season – that’s all that it is, that it comes down to," he said. "To be part of this and to give something like this is truly an honor, it really is."
The Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association donated the tree, as well as 30 others for display in commonwealth facilities.
One of Botek’s trees is also in the Blue Room at the White House.
