The Great Hall tree, which is on display in the foyer from the week of Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, is the focal point of The Omni Homestead Resort's holiday season. And a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make this century-old custom what it is today. And Forrest Lee, the Head of Ground Maintenance, has been given this duty. After all, it is his responsibility to locate, acquire, and carry the tree to the resort, where it will be skillfully placed for the lighting ceremony.
Recommended to read: How the grinch stole christmas outfits?
According to Forrest, the Great Hall trees were chosen for years before being chopped down directly on the resort's property. However, some 20 years ago, they began venturing off-site to find the main event of the Christmas season.
What specific qualities does Forrest search for in a tree? Because Fraser firs thrive indoors and maintain their beauty longer than other species, he prefers them. And that's crucial because the Great Hall tree needs to survive the new year.
Must Know: What are some trendy Christmas Eve outfits for teens and women in 2025?
Meanwhile, the hunt starts in North Carolina.
Each spring, Forrest collaborates with the people at Henderson Farms in Newland, North Carolina, who explore Avery County for three or four trees they believe would appeal to Forrest's discriminating taste on behalf of The Omni Homestead Resort. Henderson is aware that the tree should be 23 feet tall, ideally 16 to 18 feet broad, and symmetrical from all sides. That is, it must be shaped like a traditional Christmas tree.
Forrest will drive down to evaluate the applicants sometime in July. All Christmas trees have a nice side, as everyone is aware, and these giants are no exception. Forrest notes the tree's most attractive aspect for future use. Knowing how to place the tree beforehand will spare him the stress of having to decide later, while the tree is being carried into the Great Hall. This is the side that will face the corridor.
Finally, a tree is planted at The Omni Homestead Resort.
The week before Thanksgiving, on Thursday, the tree is brought to The Omni Homestead Resort. A crane is positioned over the tree the day before delivery to support it and make sure it never touches the earth during the cut. This is a major factor in Forrest's preference for Henderson Farms over other tree farms that would risk damaging the branches by dragging the trees around the ground with tractors. The tree is carefully placed on the bed of a tractor trailer after being slowly lifted by the crane from its location on the slope. The tree is then transported to The Omni Homestead Resort, which is 250 miles away and takes six hours to reach.
Read Also: Was Timothée Chalamet at the Kardashian Christmas party?
A tiny entryway, a huge tree, and the wonder of it all fitting together.
One concern always comes up every year because of the tree's immense size: Will the big tree fit through the four-foot-wide door? The tree is positioned outside the Great Hall entrance on the Monday before Thanksgiving. The conflict between man and tree begins when a rope is attached to the trunk. Despite a fierce struggle, the groundskeepers' crew always prevails in their tug-of-war against the stubborn tree, helped in no little part by the boisterous applause and yelling of the spectators who have assembled for the yearly event.
The holidays begin at the touch of a button.
The lighting ceremony is held in the Great Hall on Wednesday afternoon, when throngs assemble once more. The platform where a distinguished guest stands, hand poised over a giant red button, is the center of attention. When the honoree presses the button, the lights come to life and the audience bursts into "O Christmas Tree," formally beginning the holiday season. The distinguished guest may be a frequent visitor or a veteran resort employee. Santa makes his grand arrival in this enchanted location before sitting down to pose for pictures with kids of all ages.
That "home for the holidays" feeling is unmatched.
At this point, it is very evident why these families—or any family, for that matter—would spend the holidays at The Omni Homestead Resort, as has been the case for many decades. While some appreciate the classic and nostalgic feel, others prefer the leisurely, vintage experience. For whatever reason, you will eventually feel as though you have returned home for the holidays at The Omni Homestead Resort, especially if you are one of the numerous visitors who come back year after year.
Read Also: What are some traditional Christmas dishes enjoyed in your culture or region?
FAQs
How many trees are cut every year for Christmas?
Worldwide, an estimated 120 million Christmas trees are felled annually. Carbon dioxide emissions and extensive deforestation may result from this. Between 33 and 36 million trees are grown annually in the United States.
How many Christmas trees are there in Buckingham Palace every Christmas?
A garland is hung along the great staircase, and three trees are planted in Marble Hall each year.
How many Christmas trees are used each year?
In the United States, between 25 and 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually. In the United States alone, growers have planted about 350 million Real Christmas Trees on Christmas tree farms.
How many trees are in the Great Hall each Christmas?
The Hall was magnificent. The area was surrounded by a dozen tall Christmas trees, some glistening with hundreds of candles and others with tiny icicles, while festoons of mistletoe and holly hung around the walls.
Wilman Kala
The Great Hall tree, which is on display in the foyer from the week of Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, is the focal point of The Omni Homestead Resort's holiday season. And a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make this century-old custom what it is today. And Forrest Lee, the Head of Ground Maintenance, has been given this duty. After all, it is his responsibility to locate, acquire, and carry the tree to the resort, where it will be skillfully placed for the lighting ceremony.
Recommended to read: How the grinch stole christmas outfits?
According to Forrest, the Great Hall trees were chosen for years before being chopped down directly on the resort's property. However, some 20 years ago, they began venturing off-site to find the main event of the Christmas season.
What specific qualities does Forrest search for in a tree? Because Fraser firs thrive indoors and maintain their beauty longer than other species, he prefers them. And that's crucial because the Great Hall tree needs to survive the new year.
Must Know: What are some trendy Christmas Eve outfits for teens and women in 2025?
Meanwhile, the hunt starts in North Carolina.
Each spring, Forrest collaborates with the people at Henderson Farms in Newland, North Carolina, who explore Avery County for three or four trees they believe would appeal to Forrest's discriminating taste on behalf of The Omni Homestead Resort. Henderson is aware that the tree should be 23 feet tall, ideally 16 to 18 feet broad, and symmetrical from all sides. That is, it must be shaped like a traditional Christmas tree.
Forrest will drive down to evaluate the applicants sometime in July. All Christmas trees have a nice side, as everyone is aware, and these giants are no exception. Forrest notes the tree's most attractive aspect for future use. Knowing how to place the tree beforehand will spare him the stress of having to decide later, while the tree is being carried into the Great Hall. This is the side that will face the corridor.
Finally, a tree is planted at The Omni Homestead Resort.
The week before Thanksgiving, on Thursday, the tree is brought to The Omni Homestead Resort. A crane is positioned over the tree the day before delivery to support it and make sure it never touches the earth during the cut. This is a major factor in Forrest's preference for Henderson Farms over other tree farms that would risk damaging the branches by dragging the trees around the ground with tractors. The tree is carefully placed on the bed of a tractor trailer after being slowly lifted by the crane from its location on the slope. The tree is then transported to The Omni Homestead Resort, which is 250 miles away and takes six hours to reach.
Read Also: Was Timothée Chalamet at the Kardashian Christmas party?
A tiny entryway, a huge tree, and the wonder of it all fitting together.
One concern always comes up every year because of the tree's immense size: Will the big tree fit through the four-foot-wide door? The tree is positioned outside the Great Hall entrance on the Monday before Thanksgiving. The conflict between man and tree begins when a rope is attached to the trunk. Despite a fierce struggle, the groundskeepers' crew always prevails in their tug-of-war against the stubborn tree, helped in no little part by the boisterous applause and yelling of the spectators who have assembled for the yearly event.
The holidays begin at the touch of a button.
The lighting ceremony is held in the Great Hall on Wednesday afternoon, when throngs assemble once more. The platform where a distinguished guest stands, hand poised over a giant red button, is the center of attention. When the honoree presses the button, the lights come to life and the audience bursts into "O Christmas Tree," formally beginning the holiday season. The distinguished guest may be a frequent visitor or a veteran resort employee. Santa makes his grand arrival in this enchanted location before sitting down to pose for pictures with kids of all ages.
That "home for the holidays" feeling is unmatched.
At this point, it is very evident why these families—or any family, for that matter—would spend the holidays at The Omni Homestead Resort, as has been the case for many decades. While some appreciate the classic and nostalgic feel, others prefer the leisurely, vintage experience. For whatever reason, you will eventually feel as though you have returned home for the holidays at The Omni Homestead Resort, especially if you are one of the numerous visitors who come back year after year.
Read Also: What are some traditional Christmas dishes enjoyed in your culture or region?
FAQs
How many trees are cut every year for Christmas?
Worldwide, an estimated 120 million Christmas trees are felled annually. Carbon dioxide emissions and extensive deforestation may result from this. Between 33 and 36 million trees are grown annually in the United States.
How many Christmas trees are there in Buckingham Palace every Christmas?
A garland is hung along the great staircase, and three trees are planted in Marble Hall each year.
How many Christmas trees are used each year?
In the United States, between 25 and 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually. In the United States alone, growers have planted about 350 million Real Christmas Trees on Christmas tree farms.
How many trees are in the Great Hall each Christmas?
The Hall was magnificent. The area was surrounded by a dozen tall Christmas trees, some glistening with hundreds of candles and others with tiny icicles, while festoons of mistletoe and holly hung around the walls.