Procrastinator's Christmas Tree

December 17, 2005 5:17 PM

Where can I buy a reasonably fresh Christmas tree on December 28?

Presumably this is a problem that those who still celebrate Christmas on the Julian Calendar encounter. I live in upper Westchester County, New York, so regional suggestions are most appreciated, but also general leads about what type of establishment I might look for would be equally helpful.

posted by PadrePuffin to home & garden (8 answers total)

How important is it that you buy it on the 28th, as opposed to, say, the 24th? It seems like a lot of dealers might want to close out their stock then, so you'd get a lot of selection at a good price.
posted by SuperNova at 5:20 PM on December 17, 2005

Sounds like perfect timing to get a free tree from the side of the road!
posted by meta87 at 5:34 PM on December 17, 2005

The problem is that I will be nowhere near here on December 24.

I could buy a tree tomorrow (before I leave) and set it up, but it would have to go ten days in a very dry apartment on only a single watering.

I suppose my real question is: What is the best way to have a fresh, healthy tree in my apartment from Dec 28 through roughly January 8?
posted by PadrePuffin at 5:34 PM on December 17, 2005

Why not buy one online? There are zillions of places that have one - maybe someone here has a recommendation. You could order it now for delivery on the 28th. This place isn't sold out.
posted by fionab at 6:38 PM on December 17, 2005

Okay, I have no experience with New York, and I live in Oregon, which is like the center of the Christmas tree world. Translated: the advice here would work for somebody in Portland, but may not be applicable to you.

If I were in the same situation, I would drive out to a U-CUT place. They'll think it's mighty strange that you want a Christmas three three days after Christmas, but I'm sure they'll be happy to let you cut one. Around here, there are dozens of Christmas tree farms if you know where to look. It seems to me that most states probably ought to have at least a couple of Christmas tree farms. Try googling for "New York U-cut Christmas trees" and so on. A tree you cut yourself is going to be mighty fresh!
posted by jdroth at 7:47 PM on December 17, 2005

Maybe you could try a live tree, and plant it somewhere once the celebrations are over? It would be easy to keep it fairly moist, and you'll have far few pine needles cluttering up your place. Trader Joe's sells tiny ones; maybe try a plant nursery?
posted by maryh at 7:52 PM on December 17, 2005

>If I were in the same situation, I would drive out to a U-CUT place.

Great idea, but I might call before the 25th to make sure someone will still be around who can actually sell you a tree on the 28th. I imagine they might not be fully staffed after the big day.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:29 PM on December 17, 2005

Why not just pick one up on the 26th? Most of the tree sellers will be dumping their inventory and will probably GIVE you one if you ask nicely. It's not like they can just ship them back to the warehouse for next year.

I am reminded of the scene in the 1940s movie, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - where the poor kids from the slums of Williamsburg on Christmas Eve night got a free tree for their family by literally catching any tree the sellers would throw at them. The rule seemed to be, if you caught the tree you got to go home with it. if not, you didn't.
posted by camworld at 10:31 PM on December 17, 2005