Great expectations for
Xmas tree sales

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Not all economic news is dismal; the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association predicts a good sales season.

For many families, a trip to the local tree farm to select the perfect Christmas tree is an annual tradition. One that Stony Creek Farm Owner Lauren Schmierer is confident will continue this year. He sold 30 trees last weekend, twice as many as the same weekend last year. The weekend after Thanksgiving will be the true test.

"I'm not sure if it’s just people getting a head start on the season or if it will continue, but it really looks good so far for Christmas trees," said Schmierer.

Schmierer and others in his industry believe the tight economy is inspiring families to create normal rockwellish like holiday's at home. The splurge may be the tree.

"And they're looking to do things closer to home, even though gas prices have fallen, people are still reluctant to travel far," said Schmierer.

Schmierer said he is trying to give his customers a break. He didn't increase prices even though his costs have gone up 5%.

At Sullivan's Hardware where there is a mix of fresh cut and artificial tree's, Manager Paul Schnieders said more and more families like are opting for fake.

"Pretty practical, kind of over the long term we've got four kids and we're trying to figure out how we can spend more time with them and less time on the tree," said Heidi Muller, an artificial tree shopper.

Heidi's daughter, Olivia said, "It's really different cause I'm used to having a regular tree, getting to go do that but I mean, I guess it's as much fun."

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 100,000 Americans are employed in the real tree industry. And the outlook for a prosperous season means happy holidays for many.