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First Lady Georganne Nixon was joined by second graders from Callaway Elementary School to decorate the annual Capitol Christmas Tree.

Nixon helped the students hang homemade ornaments onto the tree, which was provided by Meier Horse Shoe Pines.

Nixon also presented the president of the Missouri Christmas Tree Growers Association with a gubernatorial proclamation declaring December as Christmas Tree month in Missouri.

When asked how husband Jay Nixon felt about missing the tree decorating because he is visiting troops in the Middle East, Nixon replied that he would have loved to be there but he's honored to be with the troops right now.

The first Capitol Tree was in 2001.