Kentucky Capitol tree will be called 'Christmas' tree, not 'holiday tree'

Associated Press

Last update: November 4, 2009 - 5:33 PM

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A spokeswoman for Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear says he's calling the tree on the Capitol's front lawn a "Christmas" tree this holiday season.

A statement from the administration last week sparked Christmas consternation by referring to the yet-to-be-chosen evergreen as a "holiday" tree. Some Christians were perturbed by the terminology.

Spokeswoman Kerri Richardson says the administration received a steady stream of e-mails and phone calls about the "holiday" tree. She says it's always been a Christmas tree to the governor, and it will be this year, too.

The governor is inviting critics of the "Christmas" tree to a lighting ceremony Nov. 30.

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