In Reading, Berks County, a Center City Christmas Tree is bringing out the Ebenezer Scrooge in many residents.
It may look like the Grinch stole Christmas in Reading, but the 90-foot tree is now center of attention at Penn Square.
City Council President, Francis Acosta says, "Someone from the public works department decided that was the tree, now we have it there, it's ugly, sad, somehow it became America's sad tree."
Resident, John Boyle says, "The truth? It should have been left where it was. It has a lot of problems and missing branches a lot of everything."
Plans to replace the tree with a fuller one were discussed, then dismissed because city crews need to prepare for a forecast of snow. And not everyone's opposed to the scant spruce.
Resident, Amber De Jesus says, "I think it's awesome they do this every year. But maybe change it a bit...More decorations and people sitting around with Santa."
Whether you're a Grinch or a Who, city officials say their tree will remain a central part of the city.
Acosta says, "I'm hoping for people to come from New York, New Jersey, take pictures of the tree, eat at our local restaurants, come to our town and make our city better through spending money in our city."
Similar to Christmas in Whoville, "Maybe Christmas in Reading means a little bit more."