Red and Green

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joins in the lighting ceremony for the Capitol Christmas Tree from New Mexico's Carson National Forest, December 4, 2019.

Dear Friend,

There's no place like New Mexico during the holiday season. Whether you call them luminarias or farolitos, whether you choose to put red or green chile on your tamales, the holidays bring us together. This week, I've been proud to see some of that New Mexico spirit on display at the U.S. Capitol--in the form of a 60-foot blue spruce tree from the high altitudes above Red River in northern New Mexico.

It was such a joy to celebrate this year's Capitol Christmas Tree from New Mexico's own Carson National Forest. Just like the larger one lit up in front of the Capitol, I also have a tree in my office with ornaments made by children and families from all around New Mexico. These trees and their decorations are shining examples of our state's beauty, creativity, and diversity.

PHOTO: U.S. Senator decorates his office Christmas tree with a Smokey Bear ornament, December 2, 2019.

I am proud that the Capitol Christmas Tree will showcase our state's five beautiful national forests. New Mexico is home to some of the most spectacular forests on Earth. The Carson up in northern New Mexico climbs from 6,000 feet to the 13,000 foot summit of our state's tallest mountain, Wheeler Peak. It is home to stunning wilderness areas, including the Pecos, Columbine-Hondo, Cruces Basin, Latir Peak, and Wheeler Peak.

Over the last century, the Carson's landscapes have inspired countless artists and conservationists like the legendary Aldo Leopold, who served as one of the Carson's earliest Forest Rangers. The Carson has also long provided for generations of northern New Mexicans. To this day, it continues to be where families return year after year to gather firewood for the winter, to fill their freezers with elk and mule deer, and to find their Christmas tree.

Thank you to all the New Mexicans who made this great celebration happen. As always, it is a real privilege to serve you and our great state in the United States Senate. Please don't hesitate to write to me if I can be of assistance to you or to tell me about issues important to you and your community.

Merry Christmas!

MARTIN HEINRICH

United States Senator