Donna Hiter had no idea just how big the Leyland Cypress tree she planted next to the well house at her home off Swords Road would grow.

Hiter and her husband Russ responded to the City of Greensboro’s call for a Christmas tree several weeks ago and will see their tree lit as the community Christmas Tree on the Court House Lawn at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.

The tree lighting program officially kicks off Greensboro’s holiday season, and the Hiter’s tree will take center stage.

“Our tree is going to be in the middle of town,” Donna Hiter whispers to her 2 1/2-year-old grandson, Dylan as he poses to have his picture taken in front on the massive evergreen.

The tree lighting program will include carolers from across the community, home baked treats at downtown eateries, and special gift ideas from your friendly Greensboro merchants. In fact, Mark Blanton, owner of Greensboro Jewelry, keeps an official wish list for his customers.

“We keep a wish list for our customers, and our staff makes a point of remembering if there is a special piece that a customer has commented on or taken special notice of. We make sure to pass that information along to the right person at the right time!”

It is small town service that makes holiday shopping in Greensboro more pleasant that hurrying through crowded malls or department stores.