BRODHEADSVILLE, Pa. — Shake, rattle, and roll is the order of operations at DeHaven's Christmas Tree Farm near Brodheadsville.
That is, of course, after you pick the perfect Christmas tree.
Some of the trees here now are too young for Christmas glory, while others are ready to roll.
"The focus this time of year is basically getting the tree to the customer. Getting them happy with what we have worked on all year long, which is shaping and maintaining our ground to grow the trees properly," explained Beth DeHaven, one of the farm's owners.
Deer and the drought didn't help the seedlings planted in the spring, but the DeHavens have started planting 5,000 trees a year to handle both destruction and high demand.
"Ever since COVID and stuff, it's been going up and up with trees and stuff like that, so it's been really good," added Troy DeHaven.
With Santa behind the wheel of the tractor, your Christmas tree hunt starts with a ride around the farm to scope out what kind of tree you like best.
When you find a variety you like, it's time to get a hand saw and explore until you find the one.
Then it's time to get down, take your aim, and saw away until it comes down.
Then the tree is tagged and taken back for processing, where staff members prune the bottom branches, even off the trunk, shake off last year's dead needles, rattle a hole in the bottom for balance on a tree stand, and roll it through the bailer so you can tie it up and get it ready for travel.
The season is quickly coming to a close for farms like this one. Find your local farm online to see if you can still get yourself the real thing this Christmas.