The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren.   Encircling
evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.



The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes
of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.
Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,
the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.



A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is
projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.



Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town
Square, and casting its glow over the manger display of
the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the
Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic.



Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world
for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass
tree in the world.. Sculpted by master glass blower
Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a
modern reflection of the holiday season.



Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian
Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7.   For weeks beforehand,
the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of
Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the
Snow Maiden.   He and his helper deliver gifts under
the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.



The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)
can be found in the Praca do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special
enchantment of the city during the holiday season.



'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree':
Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside
a tiny chapel in Germany 's Karwendel mountains,
a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.



Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette!   In Paris,
even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome,
plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion,
it's no surprise this show-stopping
department store draws more visitors
than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.



In addition to the Vatican 's heavenly evergreen,
St. Peter's Square n Rome hosts a larger-than-life
nativity scene in front of the obelisk.



The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol
is dressed for a party. Madrid 's two-week celebration makes
millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen
will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.



A token of gratitude for Britain 's aid during World War II,
the Christmas tree in London 's Trafalgar Square has been
the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.



Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer
Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.



Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of
Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).



Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery.



Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at
Arlington National Cemetery at Christmas.

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some
5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington,
Maine.   The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the
wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well.   He's done
this since 1992.   A wonderful guy.   Also, most years, groups
of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this
event to help out.   Making this even more remarkable is the
fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.