A Tale of the Christmas Tree Three Tree Farms Along the Oklahoma Corridor by Alana Owen

Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm, Bristow, OK

A Tale of the Christmas Tree

PHOTOS PROVIDED

THREE TREE FARMS ALONG THE OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR

by ALANA OWEN

Christmas is a time of gathering, gift giving, celebrating and decorating. The way we celebrate can vary culturally and geographically, but one thing that tends to stay the same is the importance of the decorated Christmas tree.

As a kid I recall being saddened to see the Christmas tree we had so proudly displayed and decorated kicked to the curb like trash. As I got older, I more readily accepted the tradition, and hesitated to transition to a “fake” tree. In time we all learn to accept the normal traditions of our country. Currently, I am in awe of the effort, time, and money put into the growing of Christmas trees. It is common to see a Christmas tree lot as much more than just a place to get your tree on a corner, as it was in my youth. It is now a magical destination for families to share in the tradition over a movie, hot chocolate,

fire, or other customs.

For my fiftieth birthday, my husband bought me an Austrian pine tree. At its high point the tree stood four feet at the time of planting. Currently it is over twenty feet and towers marvelously in my front yard, almost as if commanding attention among the oaks. The permanence of green pine makes the tree my favorite. Each year as I watch new branches sprout, I smile thinking about the passage of time it represents.

So just how did the Christmas tree celebration come to be? According to my online research, many years ago pine tree were believed to have special powers due to their ability to remain “alive” all year. Pine trees were brought into homes as a symbol of gods and goddesses.

Over time the traditions changed and evolved, and we landed with the Christmas tree in the 16th Century when Christians in Germany started bringing trees into their homes. The first community Christmas tree in the United States was erected in 1912 in New York City, and the rest, as they say, is history!

I visited with three Christmas tree producers who open their doors to the public to offer trees and good times during the holiday season.

Traveling east to west along the corridor, my first stop was Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm. It is owned and operated by David and Sherri Hurst in Bristow, at 31310 West 191st Street South. The name Molly and Socks came from the first two cows the couple owned. The origins of the farm occurred when Sherri said, after 25 years of marriage, “I always wanted to have and sell Christmas trees.” This unmentioned dream took David by surprise. Sherri’s favorite part of opening to the public is when she sees the little faces get all excited and gleaming, and everyone, including the adults, turns all smiles. According to David, Sherry is the inspiration, and he is the perspiration. The Christmas tree lot opened the day after Thanksgiving. All special events will be listed on their Facebook page and website. Make sure you check or call before heading out to make sure their trees have not sold out, although David does not anticipate selling out or closing up until December 23. Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm has as a “linger longer” business model that includes swing sets, fire pits, photo opportunities, a petting zoo, fun decorations,

and a concession stand with hot food. The lot offers precut Christmas tr ees, their own trees, fresh wreaths, and a Christmas shop which is “dripping in Christmas stuff” according to Sherry. Santa plans to be on hand on some occasions and will be seated for lap photos. A maildrop directly to the North Pole is included for the kids.

My next stop was in Stillwater at Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm. Located at 5108 East Lakeview Road, the farm is owned and operated by Chris and Marin Leafer.

The Leafer family started growing trees when they bought the property in 2019. The day after Thanksgiving, 2022, was their grand opening to the public.

Marin had wanted a Christmas tree farm for over twenty years. Her desire stemmed from the joy and spirit of the season and how it brings people together in her community and the surrounding areas. The family has plans for a large outdoor movie screen placed around a fire pit to stay warm.

The Leafers plan to stay open through the holiday season, playing their last Saturday night movie on December 17th. They have a gingerbread house Christmas shop, food vendors, and a large slide, with more to come. Check their social media pages for current events and times. Marin informed me of their expansion in 2023 with the addition of Airbnb cabins for rent. The public can drop off their trees for recycling the first weekend in January. Chris chops the trees up and reuses the materials. With that in mind, I am feeling much better about my live tree.

My last visit was in Edmond at John Knight’s Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm, located at 7121 Midwest Lane. John has been in business for 52 years at the same location, and he has been offering trees to the public for 42 years. The lot opened in November and plans to stay open until the 23rd of December, unless they sell out sooner. They also offer live trees that can be dug up by special order. The lot will offer cider, chocolate, candy canes, and cookies. I asked if Santa will be on hand and was advised “he may be making an appearance, but if I told you exactly when it wouldn’t be much of a surprise.” John recommends to check the company’s website for up to date information. n

Sorgum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm

BRISTOW, OK Glen, Rikki & Genttrie VanOrsdol

would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Every Saturday Cattle Sale Horse Sale 1st Monday of the Month Goat & Sheep Sale the 2nd Monday of the Month 918-367-2300