The lighting of the Christmas tree is a long-standing holiday tradition as families come together to string lights and garland and hang their most prized decorations in the spirit of the season.

Thomasville Medical Center has established its own tradition with its annual Christmas Trees of Davidson County display, which will begin today at 6:30 p.m. in the hospital lobby. Old-fashioned carolers from Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church will offer sounds of the season as visitors enjoy the magical experience of 60 trees being lit simultaneously. Even good ole Saint Nick will makes a special appearance for the holiday festivities. Hot cider and cookies also will be served.

“This is the [TMC] Foundation’s gift to the community during the holidays and serves as a holiday greeting to those who support us throughout the year,” said Linda Hunt, executive director of the Thomasville Medical Center Foundation. “It is truly a spectacular sight to stroll through the lobby of sparkling and festive Christmas trees.”

Jane Wilder, TMC community relations director, says the event has become so popular that many retirement communities bring residents in by the bus load to tour the hospital lobby.

“We know in year’s past that we have people that come just to see the trees,” Wilder said. “There are people that make it part of their holiday tradition to come and see the trees and get their picture taken in front of them.”

This year 60 businesses and civic organizations who have uniquely decorated a tree for the month-long event, Hunt says.

Wright of Thomasville is one those businesses that has went above and beyond to decorate their tree, with each ornament uniquely carved from wood,

At the end of each season, many of the trees at Thomasville Medical Center are donated and auctioned off to benefit TMC Foundation, which helps low-income families with the purchase of prescriptions and medical equipment as they leave the hospital. This year eight trees will be up for auction and silent bids will be taken on those select trees until noon on Dec. 28. The event, however, is not about fundraising, but rather a gift to residents of the community.

“It truly is just a way to give back to the community and gather people together to celebrate the holiday,” said Wilder.

Recently, TMC had to implement a strict visitation policy due to an increase in people infected with the H1N1 virus, but young people will still be able to enjoy the holiday festival.

“Our visitation policy continues to remains in effect as we work to minimize the spread of the H1N1 flu, however, children will be permitted into the lobby area only for the lighting,” said Wilder. “We continue to ask anyone who is experiencing flu like symptoms to please stay at home. Hand sanitizer and masks will be on hand and available.”

The Christmas trees will remain on display through the end of the year, with the exception of Dec. 11, when the display will close at 4 p.m. and reopen the following morning.

For more information, please call 476-2442.

Editor Lisa Wall can be reached at 888-3590, or at editor@tvilletimes.com.