The Christmas tree shines again on Holiday Lane in Canandaigua

CANANDAIGUA — The holiday season tends to be a time to remember past traditions and embrace new beginnings, so where else could one celebrate a new tree and a new tradition if not on Holiday Lane in Canandaigua?

The city’s close-knit neighborhood came together on Nov. 24 to celebrate the lighting of its new Christmas tree – much like they used to.

The difference?

The original tree planted many years ago at the end of the cul-de-sac approached 60 feet tall by some estimates, but the city removed the dying spruce in January. The action prompted neighbors and members of the Canandaigua City Council, the city’s tree advisory board and city staff to debate what should be planted there next.

The new concolor pine, which stands at 6 ½ feet, was planted there in May – and was welcomed to the neighborhood with a champagne toast; on a cold late fall evening, cookies, hot chocolate, and lots of holiday cheer did the trick.

Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo, who attended the tree lighting, said he was happy an excellent compromise was reached.

“It shows that if you work together, you can solve a problem,” Palumbo said.

Although it is nowhere near the size of the tree it replaced, it is the perfect size for many of the neighborhood children who decorated the tree with ornaments and candy canes. And this tree has a star placed at the top, which was practically impossible due to the height of the previous tree.

Anne Roxburgh, who grew up on Holiday Lane and later bought the family home, remembers there was always a big tree and celebrations. When the tree fell, neighbors and the city worked together.

“This was a good exercise where neighbors shared their voices with elected officials to reach a compromise on an issue that was important to them,” said neighbor Rhonda Destino. “This was a great opportunity to look at communication and what would be best in terms of educating residents about any neighborhood changes or concerns in the city we live in. Thank you to all members of the Tree Advisory Council, council members and city staff who listened and worked with Holiday Lane neighbors to ensure a tree was replaced in the circle.

For years, people would drive down their street to admire the decorated tree. Imagine coming here at Christmas and seeing nothing. And if nothing was done to replace it, imagine the hole in the hearts of neighbors who grew fond of their old tree, lit up for the holidays for years, before many residents even knew where Holiday Lane was.

“It’s really cool that we’re doing the tradition again,” Roxburgh said. “I love that it brings us together again.”

Bob Stolze, who along with Destino was among the neighbors who advocated for a replacement tree, had the honor of lighting the new tree. Yes, the new tree is only 6 and a half feet tall now, but it’s expected to grow a foot and a half within a year, Stolze said.

We’ll spare you the math as the Christmas holiday approaches, but one day this tree will stand tall and welcome the arrival of the holiday season, just like the old one did.

“It will continue to be a wonderful tree,” Stolze said. “It’s a privilege to continue like this.”

Neighbor Alice Berry summed up the neighborhood’s feeling: They were sad to see the old tree go but excited about the new one. And her husband, Matt Berry, said the neighborhood kids were excited to enjoy the day and, perhaps, show the first signs of wanting to continue the tradition when they grow up.

“When they come back with their kids, they can say, I remember when,” Matt Berry said.

“We think it’s great,” Alice Berry said.

Hannah Redington helped her daughter Addie, 4, place her ornament on the tree. It’s great that the neighborhood loves it, Redington said, because Addie loves it too, especially the lights and stars.

She also sees the potential in this little Christmas tree.

“He’s going to grow,” Addie said, “and bigger and bigger.”

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other Ontario County communities and writes the food and drink column Eat, Drink and Be Murphy. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Christmas tree shines again on Holiday Lane in Canandaigua