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New Jersey "Miracle" Tree Chosen for Christmas at Rockefeller Center The 8-ton tree is to arrive on ice Friday

Updated 10:51 AM EDT, Thu, Nov 13, 2008

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Visitors photograph the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree during the 2007 holiday season.

Christmas at New York City's Rockfeller Center will feature a tree from western New Jersey that its owners call a "miracle."

X-mas Countdown: Perfect Tree for the Plaza

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It takes a whole lot of work to become the most important tree in America.

Workers are cutting down the 72-foot tall Norway spruce on the grounds of Tree King nursery in Hamilton, which is owned by the Varanyak family.

The 8-ton tree will be erected over the ice rink on Friday.

Bill Varanyak tells New York's WNBC-TV the 77-year-old tree was planted after his parent's used it as their first Christmas tree in 1931.

He says it's "the miracle tree" because his late mother always said it would one day be on display at Rockefeller Center.

His brother, Bob, says they recently saw a blue bird in the tree and they believe the bird was their mother guarding it.

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Anonymous Monday, May 25 at 3:05 PM FLAG COMMENT I'd like to know if the family is paid for the tree or is it donation?
Keep your negativity Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:48 AM FLAG COMMENT You know, with all the hatred in the world today why all this negativity? If you dont have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself. The world would be such a better place. As far as the Christmas tree...yes, it is sad that an 80 year old tree was cut down. However, it has made countless people across this nation happy. In the current economy, where there is so much worry, don't you think people deserve a little che ... MORE >
Chris Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:08 AM FLAG COMMENT Carol - After the holidays, this year's tree, just like last year's, will be milled into lumber and used to build a Habitat for Humanity home in partnership with a low-income family. What a wonderful way for this noble tree to provide a lasting testament to the spirit of the holidays and the season of giving!
Carol Thursday, Dec 4 at 7:06 AM FLAG COMMENT Why was it cut down? Nice it will be used in NYC but its been there since 1931. Why take it down? It saddens me to think the tree has been there that long. Was it dying or in the way of something?
Jennifer Lopez Monday, Nov 24 at 11:07 PM FLAG COMMENT By the way I can make my name anything I want too.