Help decorate the Capitol Christmas tree

The U.S. Forest Service is collecting Christmas ornaments to decorate the North Carolina tree set to adorn the U.S. Capitol this Christmas. The National Forests in North Carolina has been selected to provide the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the third time it’s been charged with that task. 

“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree or ‘the People’s Tree’ is a wonderful opportunity to exhibit North Carolina’s talented individuals and their passion for our public lands,” said Lorie Stroup, U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree coordinator. “We want our communities to shine by decorating the tree with handmade ornaments that capture what the state is known for and the diversity of people, places, plants and animals. We encourage the use of natural, recyclable and repurposed materials for ornaments.” 

The Forest Service needs two types of ornaments: 4,000 large ornaments that are 9-12 inches, colorful, reflective and weatherproof; and 2,000 small ornaments that are 4-6 inches, lightweight, colorful and not necessarily weatherproof, as they will be placed indoors. Crafters should not use sharp materials that might pose a danger to cutting or nicking tree lighting wires, and ornaments may not include commercial logos or be divisive or offensive. 

The tree’s theme will be “From the Mountains to the Sea.” Ornaments are due by Sept. 1 and can be mailed to U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC 28801, or taken to drop-off sites listed at uscapitolchristmastree.com, which also contains complete ornament guidelines. For additional information about how to get a group or community involved, contact Sheryl Bran at sheryl.bryan@usda.gov or 828.257.4271.