Early birds with blankets stake out prime seats before the ceremony.

Kyle and Kari Rudgers, along with daughter, Josie, throw the switch to light the tree. Kari's lapel button is a photo of another daughter, Cathleen, who was a Montgomery Hospice patient.

Montgomery Hospice social worker Denise Saxman looks on as co-worker Beth Warner embraces the family member of a former patient.

Classical and holiday music adds to the festivities.

The tree, late at night from afar.

The Tree of Lights illuminates the clear, cold night of December 6, 2005.

Angelo, Caroline and Shannon Falcone throw the switch to light the tree. Shannon says the experience is "like lighting the tree at Rockefeller Plaza." The Falcones' light memorializes their wife and mother, Susan.

Part of the community spirit of the event comes from families taking each others' pictures in front of the tree.

After the ceremony, children play with siblings, study the stuffed animals for sale, and lobby parents to buy them.

Family members look up loved ones in the Tree of Lights Names Book, on display at Brookside Gardens throughout the season.

After the illumination ceremony, the Tree of Lights becomes a place of quiet reflection.

Montgomery Hospice family member Pamela Herzberger and president Ann Mitchell light the tree.

Montgomery Hospice nurse Erica Budd Forrest and her daughter Cadie at the reception following the ceremony.

Montgomery Hospice volunteer Yara Coelho of Rockville performs on harp.

Montgomery Hospice family member Richard Westlake lights the tree as Foundation Board Chair Richard Pettit and Montgomery Hospice Board Chair Joan Irvine look on.

Outdoors, young guests bundle up and enjoy the tree. Inside, there are many stuffed animals to play with.

Montgomery Hospice Executive Director Ann Mitchell and a guest enjoy the Tree of Lights reception.