Christmas trees... fake vs. real?

[Rebeldad1]

we have always had a live tree. never a fancy tree. our family tradition has always been a charlie brown tree.
now in our 70's kids grown and gone. we still put up a charlie brown tree.
its never been to have a show piece tree but welcome the charlie brown tree as part of our family tradition.

 

[Jstpssng]

We usually found a tree the Sunday before Christmas, and took it out after New Year's day. One year though we were leaving on vacation on Dec 26. We found a tree which was nice on the bottom and had a nice top, but ugly in the middle. My father cut the bad section out, took a pipe to connect top and bottom, and that was our tree for the year. Christmas afternoon we were going to the annual gathering at our grandparent's. They didn't have a tree for some reason, so we loaded it into the station wagon fully decorated and brought it to their house.

 

[dragoneggs]

I guess I should have added a third option to the poll... 'No Tree'. Apologies to those folks I didn't consider. Don't forget to vote at the top of the thread.

 

[Sigarms]

I guess I should have added a third option to the poll... 'No Tree'. Apologies to those folks I didn't consider.

You're a good man:thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

You're a good man:thumbsup:

And I cannot edit/revise the poll in case anyone is wondering. More thought next time I try such an endeavor. :ashamed:

 

[ultrarunner]

For many getting together to bring home the family Christmas tree is tradition that sets the tone.

It is just as much a social event as finding the perfect tree.

Even in the era of Covid the tradition remains strong.

Artificial trees can be splendid... no doubt about that and have many pluses.

Here is a link to Christmas Tree shopping here.

Christmas Tree Shopping During COVID-19 Pandemic - YouTube

 

[dragoneggs]

For many getting together to bring home the family Christmas tree is tradition that sets the tone.

So true!

 

[Industrial Toys]

As far as a tree not groing straight after cutting the top off. It's not like it's in someones yard.. One of millions that grow on road allowances, often mangled and shredded by the forestry equipment.

Brought my Mom a potted Christmas Tree that I had dug up a little earlier in the year.

 

[ultrarunner]

It's a big part of why I volunteered to help out each year... seeing happy families with kids in tow looking for the family tree... something mom really enjoyed to the utmost.

98% were really into the spirit... a few Grinches of course and a few walk-offs...

The complimentary theater popcorn, candy canes and hot cider was always a treat... the donation for 4H showed the generosity of many...

A glimpse into family dynamics...

Sometimes I popcorn supply couldn't keep up with demand and I would tell the kids I can give you one now if you share... the joy of jumping up and down of eager kids saying they will gladly share to kids outright saying I want my own and daddy will pay whatever it costs to parents resolved saying my kids would never share.

I can only imagine a child so spoiled and demanding as an adult?... thankfully it is the exception.

Mistletoe also a favorite... I use the extended Stihl pole-saw and the quad to go up the into the woods and harvest the mistletoe and then add ribbons... it was a couples giveaway always well received generating lots of holiday kisses for sure.

The local teens both boys and girls working the lot are mostly regulars... all good kids and eager to work.

Some of the best workers come from the feed store... looking to pick up a little extra holiday cash.

My impression is rural kids seeking out work for the most part know how to work...

Of course being in business comes with all the reporting, insurance, withholding and this year Covid Testing for all...

 

[Sigarms]

Average tree price in SF will set you back $120 +/- including 10% sales tax.

Have not had a tree for 7 years... maybe related to working around the tree farm and no visitors during the holidays to Mom's house... Christmas spent elsewhere since Dad passed in 2000... as the family grows no one nearby here in Oakland.

Had to run to the office store today for some office supplies this week, and I actually stopped by to check out pricing on Christmas trees just out of curiosity and this thread, location in a semi rural town about 15 minutes west outside of Winston Salem NC. All the trees in the picture were $75-$80, about 6.5' tall to highest point on the tree.



Point being, honestly being you're in San Francisco, $132 actually doesn't sound bad, but I'd be curious how low they go outside of city limits. The ones in my picture were most likely driven down by the tree farms up around Ashe County, about 90 minutes north west of the location in the picture (have no clue what kind of mark up delivering trees run in "Christmas tree lots" around the US, but assuming a 1-2 day drive time would cost more per overhead costs vs a sub two hour drive time).

When you think about it, online shopping gets thrown out the window for Christmas trees during Christmas month, and generally you're picking up LOL