MANLIUS, N.Y. (NCC News) — With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, the attention of the majority of people not only in Central New York, like Syracuse resident Jules Gibbs, turns to Christmas.
“I really love the tree part,” said Gibbs. “I have to tell you that I would have a Christmas tree in my house all year just because how cozy it makes you.”
One place Central New Yorkers can shop for Christmas trees this year is Page’s Christmas Tree Farm in Manlius. Page’s has been family owned and operated by the same family since 1998. People can come and either cut their own tree, or purchase a pre-cut tree. They can even see the various wildlife that live on property.
“[People] have fun,” owner Randy Page said. “It is a good experience for people. Not only do they get a tree, it’s a family experience. They like to do it with their whole family. We will have sometimes two or three carloads of people coming to get one tree.”
Page has had the opportunity to form relationships with the people who visit the farm every year.
“We have had people come here probably for over 20 years, 25 years,” Page says. “In fact, one of the kids that are now 17 years old, I remember his mom coming up when she was fully pregnant and she had that child within a few days of cutting the tree down and now that child, well that is not a child anymore the young man is now 17 years old.”
There always seems to be enough Christmas trees to go around year in and year out. Although it me seem like magic, as Page explains there is a process.
“Well, the secret to that is that it takes about nine to 10 years to grow a Christmas tree,” Page explains. “So the secret is to grow a generation every year. So let’s say you plant 1,000 to 2,000 one year and you plant the same amount the second year.”
Page’s Christmas Tree Farm has been open since early November and will remain open until Christmas Eve to get your tree.
