TOWAMENCIN- Many students have a lot to say about this year’s Christmas tree which is standing on a platform in the lobby. In recent years, the tree has been a real, extremely tall tree, usually reminding us of the tree in New York City. It was our own little Rockefeller tree, and now it is a smaller, artificial version.

When I first saw it, I was a little shocked. As a senior, I’ve only known the real, tall Christmas tree. It was sort of upsetting at first to see such a small tree in its place, but I knew there had to be a reason for this new tree.

“We have had artificial trees in the past and also have had real trees.  There were a few reasons why we decided to have an artificial tree this year – fire code, implementation of a permanent stage, and allergies are a couple reasons,” SGA advisor, Ms. Amy Young explained.

Not many people have heard about the permanent stage yet, but it would definitely be difficult to have a real tree as tall as past trees with a stage as a large obstacle.

“The tree we bought is a standard 7.5 ft tree.  It is surprising to many, but an artificial 8+ft tree can cost anywhere from $800.00 and up, and a real tree that tall would not have fit on the stage being implemented,” commented Young.

I also asked a few students what they think about the new tree, specifically seniors, as they have been here the longest and have only known the real tree for the past two years. Opinions ranged from extremely negative to very positive.

“I really don’t like it. I remember in past years, it would make me so happy to see this big, decorated tree surrounded by poinsettias. Even if it was a hectic morning, it would put a smile on my face as I saw it when walking into school. The big tree just seemed so impressive, and I thought it was really cool for people to also see it at events like the winter concert,” Katie Krise said.

I definitely felt this way the first day I saw the tree. I was not expecting what I saw, and it made me a little sad not seeing the usual, grand tree to boost the holiday spirit.

Megan Aquias expressed her thoughts on the new and the old tree. “I think the tree this year looks cute, but I liked the giant tree a lot more because its size is more impressive, and I think people stopped in the lobby to admire it more than this year.”

The real trees definitely drew a lot of attention, but the change in trees is probably drawing even more attention this year. Everyone continues to talk about it, which might create a more positive outlook of the tree. Krisna Chantharath is one of the students who had only good things to say about the tree.

“I think the fact that there is a tree at all in school is nice. At my old high school, we didn’t even have a Christmas tree. So I’m fine with the tree no matter the size. Yes it might ruin the tradition of a real, big one, but it’s nice that we at least have one at North Penn.”  

Overall, I think we are lucky to have a tree, and I’ve realized that it is not that important if it is real or fake, tall or small. Having a decorated tree helps get North Penn into the holiday spirit, and many students were apart of getting and decorating the tree in the first place.

“Our students put a lot of effort into making our building look great for the holiday season by decorating the tree, designing the showcase in the lobby, and hanging the light bulbs around the building,” said Mr. Kyle Berger, SGA advisor.

When starting this article, I went to the lobby while SGA was decorating, and I ended up helping out. I think that goes to show that the way we get ready for the holidays, in or out of school, brings people together and adds to the excitement of the season.

“Real or artificial, the purpose of the tree is to celebrate the warmth and joy of the holiday season. I feel that we are very fortunate to be able to have a tree and many students put a lot of time and effort into decorating our building for the holiday season,” expressed Young.