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No major price increases for fresh Christmas trees are expected

For those waiting for good news this holiday season, Christmas tree prices in Northern California are expected to remain close to last year’s levels, according to the California Christmas Tree Association.

No gloom could dampen the holiday spirit of the Cruickshank family, who had the opportunity to experience the sweet, citrusy scent of Douglas firs when they arrived at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay on Wednesday.

Natalie Sare, owner of Santa's Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay, Calif., checks this year's harvest, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. The family business is celebrating its 50th anniversary selling trees. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Natalie Sare, owner of Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay, Calif., checks this year’s harvest, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. The family business is celebrating its 50th anniversary selling trees. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

Located along leafy State Route 92, the 487-acre Christmas tree farm owned and operated by Dan and Natalie Sare has been a staple in the community for half a century. For the Cruickshank family, who traveled from Martinez, both the price and the opportunity to support a local business were key factors in deciding where to purchase their tree this year.

“It’s nice because you can choose a giant tree, a medium-sized tree or whatever suits your family, all for a good price,” said Krista Cruickshank, a regular customer who arrived before the Black Friday rush .

The trees at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village are grown right on the farm and cost $96 regardless of size. In times of rising costs due to inflation, this price consistency is an important factor for the family.

Bradicich said he’s most looking forward to using 60-year-old antique Christmas ornaments from when they spent Christmas in Lake Tahoe.

Denis said she was looking forward to decorating the tree while listening to Christmas music. For Stucky, the holidays are about “being together and having peace together.”

Scheberies said the popular tradition of picking a Christmas tree offers families a chance to “reconnect” and put the challenges of the past year behind them.

“A lot of people take their family photos and do things like that throughout the year,” he said. “It’s a feel-good tradition — a way to start the holidays, spend time together and forget about everything else.”

Sare said her company has weathered economic challenges in recent years because holiday traditions take on even greater importance in times of crisis.

“The purchase happens once a year, so people feel really good about buying a Christmas tree,” Sare said. “It’s a special tradition and they enjoy it. A lot of people have told me they’re willing to spend the money because they only do it once a year.”

Visitors look at trees for sale at Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Martinez, Calif. The farm sells both pre-cut and home-cut Christmas trees. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)
Visitors look at trees for sale at Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Martinez, Calif. The farm sells both pre-cut and home-cut Christmas trees. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)

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