It’s in that spirit that I bring you the annual Christmas carol column. For nearly 30 years, I’ve wrapped up the gift that keeps on singing the whole year long every holiday season.

Updated July 8, 2024 Erica Grieg kisses Stumpy, the beloved cherry tree that used to be at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. Editor’s note: Carol Guzy is an independent photojournalist.

The tree -- nicknamed "Stumpy" -- is perhaps the "Charlie Brown Christmas tree" of D.C.'s iconic cherry blossom trees. Located along the Tidal Basin reservoir, the tree appears to be dying -- yet ...