The National Tree

During a festive season in a small town, a high school boy named Corey Burdock learns that the Sitka spruce he has tended for years has been chosen to be planted outside the White House as the new national Christmas Tree. The announcement sweeps through his streets, drawing reporters, curious neighbors, and schoolmates into the Burdock family's life. As the news circus settles in, Corey and his family must weigh the honor against the disruption and pressure that come with national attention. The story follows the ties that bind a family, the pride of a community, and the awkward humor of growing up when a symbolic tree suddenly places them in the national spotlight, all within a warm holiday setting.

Directed by Graeme Campbell, The National Tree is a 2009 television drama drawn from a story by J. B. White, Lloyd Fonvielle, and David Kranes. It features Andrew McCarthy, Kari Matchett, Paula Brancati and Evan Williams in lead and supporting roles.

Box office figures are not available for this TV movie since it aired on television rather than having a theatrical release. It was produced for television and did not see a commercial release, so no box office gross is recorded.

The film leans into familiar holiday tropes and national symbolism, showcasing a community that rallies around a ceremonial tree and the idea that a single act can bring people together. Its emphasis on family, tradition, and civic pride resonates with viewers seeking warmth during the holidays and communal resilience.

Reception has been modest, with audiences appreciating the straightforward hopeful tone and the emphasis on faith, resilience, and communal support. The central themes include honoring tradition, balancing public visibility with personal values, and the idea that everyday acts can reflect larger national ideals, leaving room for reflection after the credits.