‘Tree is still big to them’

Mothers lifted their young children over their heads, and hundreds of flash bulbs went off as Santa’s elves flipped the switch on Fashion Island’s 40-foot Christmas tree Friday night.

The white fir, which is about a third of the size as trees of Christmas past at Fashion Island, is adorned with nearly 5,000 ornaments and lights.

Fashion Island had to downsize its tree this year because of ongoing construction at the shopping center that is part of a $100-million renovation project. This year’s festivities also moved to the Atrium Lawn, next to Atrium Court, because of construction that is underway in the courtyard in front of Bloomingdale’s. The larger courtyard is the traditional place for the shopping center’s Christmas tree.

The hundreds of families who came to watch the tree lighting ceremony carrying small children on their shoulders and strollers in tow didn’t seem to mind much that this year’s tree was nearly three times smaller than last year’s 115-foot behemoth.

“I think that it’s good that it’s smaller, because it’s a reflection what is going on in the world today,” said Newport Coast resident Yasemin Mosby, who attended the tree lighting with her husband and two children, Seda, 2, and Isaiah, 5.

Garden Grove resident Jaime Nyssen, who attended the tree lighting with her family and friends, said she didn’t mind the size of this year’s tree.

Nyssen and her husband have been coming to the tree lighting ceremony at Fashion Island each year since their twin sons, 4-year-olds Benjamin and Zachary, were born. The twins hopped up and down Friday night as they eagerly awaited the appearance of Santa Claus.

“It’s a little bit different this year, but the tree is still big to them,” Nyssen said.

Children attending the festivities darted in and out of the crowd and jumped up and down to catch a glimpse of the tree.

Santa Claus presided over the festivities riding atop a hydraulic lift as dancers in short red, faux fir-trimmed dresses lip synced to holiday tunes.

A loud cheer rang out as the 40-foot tree was illuminated.

“It’s a little shorter this year, but I don’t think it matters” said 11-year-old Max Durante, a sixth-grader who attends Newport Heights Elementary School.

Max’s friend, 12-year-old Matthew Alessi, a sixth-grader from Mariners Christian School, agreed.

“The best part of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus,” Alessi said.

Just The Facts

 Fashion island Christmas tree came from an estimated 680 miles away from somewhere in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

 Victor’s Custom Christmas Trees, which has supplied Fashion Island with its tree for many years, says its trees are eco-friendly because it replants 12 trees for every one it cuts down.

 For people who missed Friday’s lighting ceremony, the Christmas tree will be illuminated again with all the festivities at 6 tonight.