The larger-than-life Rockefeller Center Christmas tree once again came to life Wednesday evening in New York City. The 12-ton, 82-foot Norway spruce — adorned with 50,000 lights — was crowned with a star ornament that holds 3 million Swarovski crystals. Almost lost to history, it was Italian immigrants, during the height of the Great Depression in December 1931, who set up the first Christmas tree display.

At that time, Rockefeller Center — comprised of 14 limestone buildings and skyscrapers — was still under construction and the Italians took up the task of establishing the display to honor their Catholic roots. It was a welcome departure from the usual work, as many of these immigrants spent their days excavating and blasting through Manhattan’s crust, paving the way for subway systems and skyscrapers.