The tragic tale of the Christmas Tree Ship. Episode 15 - The Christmas Tree Ship Painting by artist Eric Forsberg The tradition and generosity of Captain Santa and The Christmas Tree Ship lives on each year through the efforts of non-profit charity Chicago's Christmas Ship . Chicago's boating community reenacts the arrival of the Rouse Simmons and distributes Christmas trees to deserving families that would not otherwise be able toenjoy a tree during the holiday season. Captain Schuenemann, center Elise Schuenemann