Thursday is the first day of Virginia Christmas Tree Month, per the declaration of Governor Robert F. McDonnell.
According to a press release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the governor and first lady of Virginia are observing the 150th commemoration of the Civil War with their decorations of the Executive Mansion.
Virginia began decorating trees in 1842 when a College of William and Mary professor first presented the German custom to Williamsburg. The trees were laced with popcorn, gilded nuts and lighted candles. By the time the Civil War began, the tradition was well entrenched in Virginia.
The McDonnells' Christmas tree is from Claybrooke Farms in Louisa County. Crazy Joe's Tree Farm in Culpeper is supplying the wreaths and Mill Farm Christmas Trees of Williamsburg is supplying the greenery.
Each of the three purveyors of Christmas goods is members of the Virginia Christmas Tree Association.
The Executive Mansion's Christmas tree and accompanying decorations will be open for public viewing during open houses on December 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for which reservations are not required.
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