Singing Christmas carols, eating gingerbread cookies and decorating the tree, kindergartners from Eugene R-5 Elementary School brought the holiday spirit to Missouri's Capitol.
On Wednesday, Gov. Mike Parson hosted a ceremony dedicating the Capitol Christmas tree, a Loblolly Pitch supplied by Steve and Teresa Meier, of Meier Horseshoe Pines in Jackson.
The Meiers are returning winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association's annual wreath and tree contests, which brought them and a 10-foot tree to the Capitol again this year.
Eugene Elementary teachers Kim Bax, LeAnna Binkley and Jennifer Horton brought their kindergarten classes to the ceremony to meet the governor, decorate the tree and sing "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
Parson took the opportunity to remind Missourians to take it easy during the holidays.
"I think sometimes we all need to step back from our official duties sometimes and all the hustle and bustle of our lives, and just kind of step back and just remember all the blessings that we have," he said. "Remember all the opportunities that have to be here in this state and to be able to enjoy life with one another."
Keeping another tradition alive, Parson declared December 2021 as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri.
Chris Chinn, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, said the Meiers represent many families across the state who grow trees for the Christmas season.
"They work year-round to produce beautiful trees like the one we're looking at today, and I'm very proud of them," she said.
Steve Meier said he appreciates the recognition and the Missouri Christmas Tree Association's close relationship with the Department of Agriculture
"To be able to present a tree to the Capitol each year, it's a highlight of our members. And when they come, it is a rigid contest to see who gets the honor each year," he said.
Meiers called this year's Capitol tree a "true Missouri tree." Now 4 years old, its seedling came from the Missouri State Forest Nursery in Licking.