The huge 40-foot Christmas tree was a backup because the first one got sick and had to be taken away on November 11th.

The White House National Christmas Tree just pulled a surprise stunt! The 40-foot spruce, standing in for the original tree that got the boot due to a fungal disease, decided to take a horizontal break thanks to some gusty winds in Washington, D.C. It’s like the tree wanted to test out a new yoga pose – the festive plank, perhaps?

But fear not, festive aficionados! The Parks Department is on the case, attempting to resurrect the fallen fir just in time for the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday. Because what’s a holiday celebration without a touch of tree acrobatics, right? The National Park Service is optimistically hoping the show will go on, even if it means coaxing the rebellious tree into standing tall for its big moment.

Now, let’s rewind a bit. This spruce sensation, hailing from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, is no stranger to drama. It’s the last-minute substitute teacher of Christmas trees, stepping in after the original was ousted in November. The Parks Department, in cahoots with the USDA Forest Service, worked their holiday magic to find a replacement in the nick of time. And as the tree contemplates its newfound fame (and maybe an acting career), the Parks Department is left pondering the age-old dilemma of cut trees versus planted ones. Will this mishap be the catalyst for a reevaluation of tree selection for future holiday seasons? Stay tuned for the grand unveiling, complete with twinkling lights, live performances, and the resilience of a Christmas tree that just won’t stay down. It’s a holiday spectacle for the ages!