The annual focal point—a single pine tree in the median that trucker German Segura has lovingly decorated—has graced the section of Interstate 90 between Sheridan, Wyoming, and Billings, Montana, for fifteen years. Originally from Mexico with 23 years of experience driving the route between Garland and Calgary, Canada, German is the epitome of a pleasant personality and gladly shares the inspiring story of his tiny tree.
Drivers on the scenic stretch of Interstate 90 between Sheridan, Wyoming, and Billings, Montana, have an extra reason to celebrate every year after Thanksgiving: a single pine tree in the median magically transforms into a festive oasis. At milepost 523 north of the Wyoming border, a long-haul trucker has been lovingly decorating this tree for fifteen years. It is a beautiful sight that puts smiles on faces and adds warmth to the sometimes brutal winter conditions.
German Segura’s Story of His Little Tree
German Segura (pronounced Herman) is a proud trucker living in Mission, Texas, with 23 years of experience driving the route between Garland and Calgary, Canada. He’s seen it all: three days of driving up, three days of driving back! German is originally from Mexico, and his accent is as thick as his upbeat personality. Despite never expecting recognition for his actions, German is more than happy to share the story of his little tree.
One night, 12 or 13 years ago, he was driving through the hills north of Billings when a sudden snowstorm shut down the highway. Forced to take shelter for the night, German found a small fir tree and claimed it as his own, giving it a name and taking care of it ever since.
The Birth of the Orphan Tree Tradition
Segura and his wife Elsa, affectionately known as “The Boss,” were looking at the icy conditions that morning when Segura noticed a small, snow-covered tree in the middle of the road. Recognizing its vulnerability, he remarked on the tree’s plight with pride and positivity; he declared it an “orphan in the middle of the road.”. Little did they know that this moment would spark a wonderful holiday tradition that has become popular throughout Sheridan, the Crow Reservation, and Billings.
With Elsa’s insistence, Segura decided to turn around and give the tree a jacket. He then proceeded to bring extra Christmas decorations and ornaments to decorate it. Since that fateful day, Segura and Elsa have faithfully decorated the tree yearly, ensuring a merry and festive holiday season.
With Elsa’s insistence, Segura took charge and decided to turn around and give the tree a jacket. Bringing extra Christmas decorations and ornaments, Segura and Elsa ensured that the tree was festively decorated each year, bringing joy and cheer to the holiday season.
German’s Generosity Brings Joy to Sheridan
With pride and joy, Sheridan locals have noticed the fantastic tree that Segura has been decorating for the past five years. Thanks to a group of helpful elves, the tree is undecorated each season. Jonnie and Carl Stark, two of those elves, were so impressed by the tree that they left a note for Sugura. Unbeknownst to anyone, Germany was responsible for this beautiful goodwill gesture without expecting anything in return. The locals were intrigued by the mystery until a sign was placed next to it reading “Feliz Navidad from Texas,” bringing joy and delight to the people of Sheridan.
Segura was the driving force behind the Sheridan tree decorating tradition. His creativity and generosity allowed the Starks and other families to come together and enjoy the merriment of drinking coffee, eating cookies, and telling stories while they decorated the tree. This was highlighted when Jonnie put together a lovely thank-you card and left it on the tree—a gesture demonstrating Segura’s impact in spreading goodwill.
German is no small feat, though, as he has done this for years and years. He is a kind, gentle, and family-oriented man who typically has his grandchildren at the tree every year. The tree continues to speak for itself: the Montana Highway Highway Patrol’s decision to stop putting up the “Feliz Navidad” sign. It stands tall even during the region’s famous winter windstorms, thanks to the many zip ties that hold it together.
