How the Grinch Saved Christmas

Grinch Grows a Heart and Returns the Hillsborough Christmas Tree

Hillsborough residents can rest easy. Christmas has been restored to the Township after the Grinch absconded with their beloved holiday tree last July. 

During the week of November 13th, unbeknownst to the rest of the town, the Grinch pulled up to the Municipal Complex in a landscaping truck and lowered a new tree into the spot where the original once stood. Visible beneath his grinchy green fur, was the beating of a heart that was three sizes larger than normal.

“With my new heart came a new conscience,” the Grinch told Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani. “I understand now that stealing is bad and I’m sorry I disappointed all the nice people of Hillsborough.  I hope that with this new tree, all is forgiven.”

Originally, the Township held a contest to find a replacement tree. However, finding a tree that met all the qualifications, while not wreaking havoc on its surrounding environment, proved to be a challenge.

“Thank you to everyone who reached out with a potential Christmas tree to share with the community,” said Mayor Lipani at the November 28th Township Committee meeting. “We’re touched by the continued generosity of our community. And a special thank you to the Grinch for restoring our tree and our faith in humanity.”

The new tree, a Norway Spruce, is being decorated this week as Hillsborough Township prepares for its annual tree lighting. Residents are invited to stop by the Municipal Complex to see the tree, and, of course, attend the annual tree lighting on December 1st.

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