Holiday Tree Lights up Oldtown Salinas - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SALINAS, Calif.- Yes, it's sometimes difficult to get into the holiday spirit before Thanksgiving.

I was one of the naysayers who refused to acknowledge the bright and sparkly holiday decorations being put up around town or at some of the big department stores, but on Tuesday night in Salinas I felt the Christmas tingle in the air as the lights went up on the big fir tree in front of the Steinbeck Center in Oldtown Salinas.

The tree for peace had a dedication and lighting ceremony with city officials.

The event featured members of the Salinas High School FFA, Children's Singing Groups, Oldtown Salinas Association and the National Steinbeck Center.

White ribbons were passed out by Salinas High School Future Farmers of America and members of the community were invited to write messages for peace. The messages were tied into bows and installed on the tree. The messages were simple, with words like "miracle" and "love."

The tree arrived from Christmas Hills Tree Farm in Mossy Rock, Washington shipped fresh courtesy of McShane's Nursery and Landscape Supply.