Planted by a couple in 1967, the 2024 Rockefeller X'mas tree now is 75-ft tall — a testament to their love

Ever wondered how simple activities often turn into unforgettable memories for some people? Take planting a tree, for instance, watching it grow becomes more than just a task—it becomes a shared story that lasts a lifetime. With each passing year, the tree stands as a living reminder of the bond you built, turning small moments into something truly special. Similarly, Earl Albert and his late wife, Leslie Albert, planted a Norway spruce tree together in 1967, just a year after their wedding. But little did the couple know that 57 years later, the tree would catch the attention of the Rockefeller Center's head gardener. 

"We first used to decorate it when it was small, and then it got so big that I couldn’t decorate it," Albert revealed to TODAY. When the couple planted the tree, it was very small—only waist-high. But nearly six decades later, the Norway spruce grew 75 feet tall, as reported by the outlet. The tree stood there as a silent witness to the Albert family’s journey, observing the highs and lows in life. From Albert and his wife to their son Michael, his wife Shawn, and their children, the tree was there for it all—rooted in the moments that shaped their lives.

However, two years after Leslie passed away in 2020, Erik Pauze, or 'an angel,' as described by Michael, turned up at Albert's residence. The head gardener of Rockefeller Center approached Albert and his daughter-in-law, Pauze, and asked them if they would be willing to donate their tree. "We took it as a sign from my mother-in-law just because she loved everything surrounding Christmas, the tree, all of it," Shawn shared with NBC10 Philadelphia. The Albert family was over the moon upon hearing the offer and agreed without a second thought.  

Notably, when Leslie passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family could not have a funeral for her. “And she was such a huge part of the community, so to me, this is like her gathering we finally get to have and that we finally get to honor her," Shawn further shared. The Norway spruce tree was cut down in November this year and lifted by a crane to be sent to Manhattan. Finally, D-day arrived and people gathered in huge numbers at the annual event in New York City for the tree lighting ceremony. 

However, Albert could not attend the special event as he was still recovering from a recent stroke. However, he enjoyed the tree-lighting ceremony on TV. "He had his room decked out. He had his Santa hat on and my son FaceTimed with him, so he was able to sort of be here," Shawn shared with TODAY. Although Albert could not attend the event in person, his family had an amazing experience. "It was an overwhelming emotion of joy. It was a tribute to my mother's life. Just the giving back and the loving nature of her. It was like our way to kind of give to the world. It's awesome." Michael revealed to the outlet. 

Who knew such a small gesture in 1967 would grow into a powerful symbol of love and legacy for the Albert family? After years of standing tall in their backyard, the Norway spruce became a tribute to Leslie's love for Christmas and her enduring impact on the family. Though Albert couldn’t attend the lighting ceremony, the family’s joy and the tree’s presence reflected their lasting bond.