When it comes to Christmas trees, there are dozens of different types grown in the state and across the country, including firs, pines and spruces.
Many people have their personal favorites. Some seek out the blue spruce for its sturdy needles and subtle bluish coloring. Others lean toward the unique needle clusters of the Scotch pine. Still, others prefer the reliable pyramid shape of the Douglas fir.
The Fraser fir is one of the most common Christmas trees sold in the U.S. The evergreen’s aromatic pine scent, long-lasting needles and sturdy branches that can handle heavier ornaments, make it one of the most popular of all live Christmas trees.
It’s why E. Draghi and Sons Farms in South Glastonbury sells only Connecticut-grown Fraser firs starting just after Thanksgiving Day, says Cheryl Draghi Martin.
“It’s the best tree because it doesn’t shed, it doesn’t drop its needles and it’s reliably long-lasting,” she says.
Right around Thanksgiving Draghi’s gets its first shipment of hundreds of Fraser firs, ranging from 3 feet to 12 feet tall. Draghi’s also provides local delivery (Glastonbury and Portland) of its Christmas trees.
Workers at the longtime family-owned farm begin making Christmas wreaths and other fresh evergreen arrangements before Thanksgiving and ready its hundreds of live poinsettia plants for sale.
Around the same time, the farmstand’s bakery is in full gear making holiday goodies for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“It’s a really busy time of year for us. We do all kinds of Christmas greens, wreaths and arrangements for inside and out. We make evergreen garlands and we make nonperishable gift baskets and holiday foods.”
The story of the modern Christmas tree tradition came from a medieval Europe mid-winter celebration that included bringing pine trees or boughs inside. But long before that evergreens were also used by ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews to symbolize eternal life, according to Britannica.com.
If you’re looking to buy a live tree this year there are several local farms, along with Draghi’s, where you can pick one out.
The East Glastonbury Fire Department, Co 3, 1089 Chestnut Hill Road, will be selling Christmas trees this year along the side yard of the station. They typically are open on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other times, fire officials set up a mailbox outside with tags in it so people can tag a tree and members can arrange when to deliver it. The department delivers its trees to Glastonbury residents.
In addition, the Connecticut Tree Growers Association has a listing of farms on its website, CtChristmastrees.org, where you can cut your own fresh tree.
Where to shop locally:
E. Draghi & Sons
80 Main St.
860-633-2197
Draghifarms.com
Belltown Hill Orchards (Cut your own option available)
483 Matson Hill Road
860-633-2789
Belltownhillorchards.com
Cavanna Farms (Cut your own option available)
80 Woodland St.
860-659-1856
On Facebook @cavannasfarm1903
Killam & Bassette Farmstead
1098 Main St.
860-833-0095
KbFarmstead.com