Capitol Christmas Tree

The tree is traditionally lit by the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, accompanied by an essay contest winner during a ceremony at the beginning of December or even at the end of November, and remains lit each night through New Year's Day.

After the 1963 tree died, white pines from Maryland were cut down and put on display for the 1968 and 1969 seasons.

A significant portion of the ornaments were created by Arizona school children who were provided with specifications for their ornaments, including the instructions that “[o]rnaments cannot reflect a religious or political theme… Instead share your interpretation of our theme 'Arizona's Gift, from the Grand Canyon State.

'” The ADF sent a letter to various officials associated with the 2009 tree, on the behalf of Candace Duncan, whose child wished to submit ornaments including the following phrases: "Happy Birthday, Jesus," and "Merry Christmas."

A spokesperson for the AOC was quoted as saying the previous instruction contained “old information,” and that “is no longer the position of the agency.”[13]