AUSTIN, Texas – In true Texas style, a horse-drawn carriage arrived at the Texas Capitol on Monday with Christmas trees, kicking off the holiday season.

The carriage delivered three small trees to accompany the 23-foot Christmas tree that will light up the House chamber. Ornaments representing all 150 districts of the Texas House will adorn the Texas-grown Virginia Pine tree.

The ornaments will be hung later this week as a part of the District Ornament Project started by Julie Straus, the wife of Speaker of the Texas House Joe Straus. The project began in 2009 to bring together the House districts for the holidays.

“I look forward to this project every year,” said Straus. “Each ornament highlights the diversity and beauty of Texas, giving each district an opportunity to shine on our beautiful tree. Texans who visit the Capitol will have an opportunity to view a wide variety of ornaments from across the state.”

The Christmas tree will be moved into the House chamber on Tuesday at 10 a.m.