Fresh Christmas Tree Grower & Handmade Wreaths
We didn’t really decorate for any of the holidays before we had children. We made a point to begin a new tradition when our son was born to get into the holiday spirit. The truth is deep down we actually wanted to start a family tradition of our own. As you watch the Hallmark channels or popular Christmas movies there seemed to be a consistent activity where a family would venture out to a tree farm to pick out their perfect tree. That idea kind of stuck with us and we decided to give it a go.
Just north of Rockwall, Texas we visit the McNew Star M Christmas Tree Plantation. They are located off at 2914 Hwy 276, West Quinlan, Texas 75474. They open the day after Thanksgiving and have operating hours that are normally posted on their website or Facebook page. There is a variety of trees with different sizes and so far our personal favorite is the Douglas fir tree. What caught my attention is the prices that are between $50 to $100 based on the sizes. The fresh wreaths are as low as $25. Each tree that we have purchased have lasted weeks after Christmas.
Our first year in 2015 we purchased a 9ft tree. Since then we have chosen to go with a 7 1/2ft natural Douglas fir tree. It’s just the right size for our sitting room and the tree looks great right from our oversized window. We like our tree to be narrow, but full so that we have plenty of branches to decorate with. When you arrive at the plantation you can park and ride out over the plantation on one of their hayrides to a grove to pick a tree. Or walk over to one near the entrance where you can have your tree cut by a crew member. Since our children are not ready for those long walks we pick ours out of the barn. The crew goes out to harvest the trees and they are standing upright in the barn ready to be chosen. As you enter the barn, you can smell a sharp refreshing scent that just draws you into a pleasant mood. Your home will smell like this for weeks adding to the ambiance that it is Christmas time. The barn floor is covered with years of needles that have fallen. Which is something to note that you will have to clean your floor as the needles drop.
One of the neat services that they do is actually prepare your tree for transport and get it ready to easily install it into a pan. We purchased our first year the pan and stand. After the end is sawed off they drill a hole into the trunk. Shake the tree so that you don’t have any critters as unexpected guests, as well as, any loose foliage. Then it is wrapped in a netting. Ready to be mounted like a deer onto your roof of your vehicle. When you get it home you take a mallet and hammer the stand and pan into the trunk. Then you simply erect the tree where you would like it in your room and cut the netting to release all of the branches. From the fresh scent to turning on your favorite holiday channel to listen to your favorite Christmas music as you decorate with your family it sure brings the merriment of the season.
Are There Other Activities?
The plantation seasonal business has been operating for 39 years. Each year they have added social related activities. There is story time with Mrs. Claus on a set schedule so you will have to check their website or Facebook page. The permanent features are a Riding Horse Saddle Merry-Go-Round, wooden maze-like play station, tractor pulling hay ride, barrel wheeled train ride, Nativity scenes in covered structures and a gift shop. The gift shop is where you will make your final purchase of your fresh tree, garland, wreaths and any food purchases. Available to purchase is ice cream, hot chocolate, cider, soda and coffee. The gift shop is filled with lots of decorations and Christmas themed gifts.
Dawn and Duke Photography offered a 20 minute session for $5 a digital download. It was a whimsical stationary station with seasonal elements near the barn area. No sunshine was in our eyes and we were not sitting in any muddy areas. She really scouted a perfect spot. No tree purchase was necessary. Naturally, our girls were either interested in handling the décor or turned it into a cry fest. Dawn was very patient and generous with her time with us. This was such a GREAT idea to add as a perfect activity to do while shopping for our Christmas tree. Our family was dressed in some holiday fun attire to capture those precious moments. Payment options were cash or credit and my receipt was emailed to me. It truly was convenient and memorable.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
