AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today on the Texas Senate Christmas tree:

“When I became lieutenant governor, I reinstituted the tradition of celebrating Christmas with a Christmas Tree in the Senate Chamber for the first time in 70 years. Jan and I were proud to be joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott and the members of the Senate Ladies — spouses of Texas Senators — to decorate the tree. Every state senator contributes an ornament that represents their Senate District.

“Texans of all faiths celebrate during this winter holiday season and I am proud of what we have done in Texas to protect that freedom and religious liberty for everyone. I am also proud that in Texas we can say ‘Merry Christmas.'”

Texas Senate Christmas Tree

Lt. Gov. Patrick and his wife, Jan Patrick

The Christmas tree in the Senate chamber is a Virginia pine from the Elves Christmas Tree Farm in Denison, Texas. It stands 24 feet tall and features ornaments from every Texas State Senate district.