I’ve stood beneath dozens of Christmas trees in provincial legislatures and Parliament Hill over the years, but none carries the diplomatic weight of Nova Scotia’s annual gift to Boston. Yesterday, amid the crisp November air in Lunenburg County, I watched as this year’s towering symbol of international friendship was carefully harvested.
The 45-foot white spruce, selected from the property of David and Deborah Hatt near New Ross, was cut during a ceremony that brought together local families, provincial officials, and even children from nearby schools who sang carols as the tree gently tilted toward the ground.
“This isn’t just a tree – it’s the continuation of a promise made nearly 107 years ago,” said Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, who spoke at the ceremony. “When Boston rushed to our aid after the Halifax Explosion, they didn’t hesitate. This annual gift reminds both Americans and Canadians that friendship transcends borders.”
The tradition dates back to 1917, when Boston provided critical emergency support following the Halifax Explosion that killed nearly 2,000 people and left thousands more injured or homeless. The first tree was sent in 1918, and the practice was revived in 1971, continuing uninterrupted since.
What struck me most while reporting from the site was the personal connection many Nova Scotians feel to this tradition. David Hatt, on whose property the tree grew, told me his grandfather often recounted stories passed down about the explosion’s aftermath.
“My family has deep roots in this province going back generations,” Hatt said. “To contribute a tree that carries so much meaning—it’s honestly emotional. This spruce has been growing on our land for decades, and now it’ll stand in Boston Common where thousands will see it.”
The selection process for the tree begins nearly a year in advance. Provincial foresters scout potential candidates that meet strict criteria: full branches, symmetrical shape, and height between 40 and 50 feet. But beyond the technical specifications, the tree must be healthy enough to survive the 1,100-kilometer journey to Massachusetts.
According to data from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, the province has examined over 200 candidate trees in the past decade alone, with approximately 40% meeting the initial criteria for consideration.
The economic impact extends beyond symbolism. Tourism Nova Scotia reports that awareness of the tree tradition has helped boost American tourism to the province, with surveys indicating 18% of U.S. visitors from the New England region cite the Christmas tree tradition as a factor in their interest in visiting.
After yesterday’s cutting, the tree was carefully loaded onto a truck, where it will make appearances in communities throughout Nova Scotia before crossing the border. It’s scheduled to arrive in Boston on November 19, with the official lighting ceremony taking place on December 5 at Boston Common.
Andrea MacEachern, a schoolteacher who brought her class to the ceremony, believes the tradition offers valuable lessons for her students.
“In the classroom, we can teach history from textbooks, but standing here as the tree comes down makes it real for these kids,” she said as her students placed handmade ornaments on a smaller tree near the ceremony site. “They understand that sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped in paper but in stories and promises kept.”
The tree’s journey will be documented on social media by both Nova Scotia and Boston officials, with a growing audience following its progress. Last year’s lighting ceremony drew approximately 20,000 spectators and was broadcast to millions of homes across New England.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has expressed her city’s continued appreciation for the tradition, noting in a statement that “this beautiful tree represents the enduring friendship between our regions and serves as an annual reminder of the power of community during difficult times.”
The operation isn’t without its logistical challenges. Transporting such a massive tree requires special permits, custom cradles to prevent branch damage, and regular hydration throughout the journey. The provincial government allocates approximately $180,000 annually for the entire operation, including selection, cutting, transportation, and supporting community events.
For many in Lunenburg County, yesterday’s ceremony was both a source of local pride and a bittersweet moment. Eleanor Davidson, whose family has lived in the area for six generations, brought her grandchildren to witness the cutting.
“My mother was just a baby during the Halifax Explosion, but her parents never forgot Boston’s kindness,” Davidson told me as we watched the tree being secured to the transport. “To think that something from our small corner of Canada will bring joy to thousands of Americans—it makes you realize how connected we really are.”
As the truck pulled away with its precious cargo, I was reminded that in an era of complex international relations, sometimes the most effective diplomacy comes wrapped in simple traditions that have outlasted a century of political changes. This tree carries with it not just Nova Scotia’s gratitude, but a reminder that international friendships can be both practical and deeply symbolic.
When the lights illuminate this year’s tree in Boston Common, they’ll shine on a living embodiment of what might be North America’s most enduring international thank-you note.
