FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A spokeswoman for Gov. Steve Beshear says he's calling the tall decorated tree on the Kentucky Capitol's front lawn a "Christmas" tree this holiday season.
Last week, a statement from the administration sparked some Christmas consternation by referring to the tree as a "holiday" tree. The news angered some Christians who were perturbed by the terminology.
The Beshear administration last week solicited Kentucky residents to consider donating the perfect "holiday tree" to the state. Officials were looking for a pyramid-shaped tree between 35 and 50 feet tall.
Spokeswoman Kerri Richardson says the administration received a steady stream of e-mails and phone calls about the terminology. But, Richardson says, it's always been a Christmas tree to the governor, and he's invited critics to a "Christmas" tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30.
