Spreading Joy: Stamford Marriott Employee Goes Above & Beyond

STAMFORD, CT — For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa has a real Christmas tree in the lobby thanks to one dedicated employee who went above and beyond to bring a little extra cheer and joy this holiday season.

Director of Housekeeping Ruby Wilson has been working in Stamford for almost six months. She came here from a five-star hotel in Vermont, where she helped lead the efforts to decorate during the holidays.

"It's something that's really exciting for me. It's a passion of mine, and it was nice to surprise the guests to have something different set up every year," Wilson said. "There was always a different theme. When they mentioned [decorating the hotel lobby] here, I jumped on it right away."

A few weeks ago without notice on a Saturday morning, Wilson drove up to Seven Maples Nursery in Monroe looking for the perfect tree. After perusing the selection, she found the right one and used all of her 5-foot-3-inch frame to lug it back to her car so she could tie it to the roof.

Once she got back to Stamford, she placed the tree in the center of the lobby for all to see, and got to work decorating it.

Wilson said she gets emotional thinking about this time of year. She said she loves trying to brighten up the holiday season for all.

"I love seeing families taking pictures. It's helping them create memories, and I absolutely love that," she said.

Tom Civitano, director of sales & marketing for the Stamford Marriott, praised Wilson for taking the Christmas decorations to a new level.

"The easy way out could have been to put up the old artificial tree. Everything Ruby does, she wants to make new and original. She has a flare about herself," Civitano said, noting that there's just something about a live tree.

He said guests and employees have walked up to the tree to feel and smell if it's real.

"To bring that newness to the hotel is just wonderful. It's a special time of year for everybody, and just the idea that people take a photo in front of the tree is terrific for us," Civitano added.

Wilson said she is already looking forward to next year. She plans to go bigger and better.

"I do hope next year I can get [to the tree farm] a little bit earlier so I can chop the tree down, and find something that's a little bit taller."