The holidays are right around the corner and it’s almost time for everyone to start putting up their Christmas trees, that includes New York City. On December 4, 2013 the tree will light up the city with 45,000 multi-color lights on five miles of wire and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. This year’s lighting marks the 81^st anniversary.

The tree was cut down in Shelton, Connecticut  right from Vargoshe family’s front yard. Now they will be sharing the beloved tree with the world. The 75- year- old Norway spruce tree was planted as a sapling in front of the Vargoshe’s house by the original owner more than 60 years ago and has been a big part of their life ever since the family moved there in 1992. Sons Nathan and Noah grew up climbing and exploring the tree so for them to see the tree go it is bitter sweet.

Tens of thousands of people from all around the world come and gather in Rockefeller Center to take pictures with the 76 foot tall Christmas tree. The tree tops the scale at 12 tons. Not just anyone can get this tree up and running it takes New York’s best electricians, carpenters, engineers, gardens, cleaners, porters and patrol officers to get this tree to its high standards, said Rockefeller Center head landscaper Eric Pauze. For the first few weeks, Rockefeller Center tree will drink about 90 gallons of water a day. The tree will remain on display until January 7, 2014.