HUDSON — Two Christmas tree lots are selling trees for the holiday season this year to spread cheer – Humphrey’s Family Christmas Trees and the Hudson Lodge of Elks.
Michael King, the treasurer for the Hudson Lodge of Elks, said they are selling balsam firs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24 at their address on 91 Park St. Hours are Monday to Friday 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas tree sales is one of the Elks’ several fundraisers for their scholarship program. He said the organization gives $50,000 in scholarships annually when combined with local, state and nationally funded scholarships.
“Our selling the trees allows the local community to participate in our fundraising efforts,” said King.
The Elks have been selling trees for 40 years. Sometimes, he said they have had “pay it forward” sales where a customer will pay for an extra tree and ask to give it to the next family who comes in.
He said, “Eventually, we truly find a family who needs the assistance.”
King said that they have many returning customers because they know the sales will support the scholarship program.
“Putting up a tree is a tradition I grew up with and now that my children are starting to have families of their own, I look forward to seeing the sparkle in my grandchildren’s eye when they see the Christmas tree all decorated,” he said.
Humphrey’s
Scott Humphrey, the owner of Humphrey’s Family Christmas Trees, has always loved Christmas. Humphrey has been selling trees for 17 years and has continued to do so this year in the Robinson’s Hardware parking lot at 31 Washington St. from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s always been my favorite time of year,” he said.
Humphrey saw it as an opportunity to make some extra money, while providing cheer to others during the holidays. He said he is “still excited to do it” 17 years later. After starting out working for Bill Carr, who used to sell trees in the lot with his son and wife, Humphrey has owned the business for about six years.
“It brings everybody together. Everybody, you know, is just in a good mood when they come in,” he said.
He sees old and new faces each selling season. For many families, it is a tradition to come and get their Christmas tree every year.
As it is ultimately about the holidays, Humphrey said trimming a tree is just a tradition to look forward to as a family.
He said, “You can pick all your favorite ornaments, and you know, there’s nothing better than coming home after a long day’s work and having that smell of a fresh Christmas tree in your house.”
Humphrey said it is all about focusing on something positive. At Humphrey’s Family Christmas Trees, the staff work to get customers’ attention by having Santa Claus greet people.
Sometimes, there are mishaps as well when people get their trees.
He said, “Customer comes in one time. They decided to tie their own tree to their roof and lost it on the way home. Things like that have happened.”
When the customer went to look for the tree, it was gone. He ended up returning to buy a new tree, which was comped.
Humphrey is selling balsam firs this year, as well as wreaths, kissing balls and planters. In addition, they offer the tree limbs that have been cut for free for people to use for their own decoration ideas.
He said kissing balls are “a larger scale mistletoe” composed of a ball of leaves with some berries on it.
In terms of tree care, he said a preservative for the tree is available. He recommended warm water, and if sugar is added to the water, it helps soften the bark and improves water absorption.
A fresh cut for the tree means you would have 24 hours to get the tree inside, according to Humphrey.
“Keep it away from your heating system. It will dry the tree pretty quickly if it’s close to any heating radiator or vent,” he said.
He thanked all of the customers – both repeating and new – for coming to their lot.
He said, “They make it worthwhile doing it. It’s a lot of work in a short amount of time.”
