The larger-than-life Rockefeller Center Christmas tree once again came to life Wednesday evening in New York City.

The 12-ton, 79-foot tree — adorned with 50,000 lights — is 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 1931 who set up the first display.

At that time, Rockefeller Center was still under construction and the Italians took up the task of establishing the display to earn a little extra money and 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.

God bless them all.

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