Peterson family Christmas tree lot
Growing
up in the San Fernando Valley, buying a Christmas tree meant going to the local
supermarket parking lot. And depending on that
particular winter (if you can call it that), the temperature could be anywhere
from 68 – 90 degrees, where lovely trees from cool damp places (probably
Oregon) would be baking in the heat. You picked your tree, took it home in the
family station wagon, and hoped it wouldn’t turn into kindling before the big day.
So,
now that I live in the Christmas Tree Capital of The World, that probably
explains my complete appreciation for the tree lot less than a mile
from my house, which sets up shop every December in a very adorable rustic open
space, complete with woodsy hut and wood-cut elves.
For
me, the Christmas Season officially starts when this local tree lot is glowing
with string lights and packed with fresh trees grown in nearby Canby, cut just
hours before you take them home. It’s run by the Peterson family, and
apparently has been doing business for over 20 years. Fathers, sons, and
cousins are all on-hand helping out.
And after my initial tree purchase, I often return to
buy fresh holiday greens, and sometimes even a wreath – so the
thrill of Christmas tree buying extends well into December.
To
top it off, Jim and Patty's is across the street, so I can get a warm yummy
drink, then head over to tromp around the pine-scented lot, humming with the sound of buzz saws merrily trimming stumps and errant branches.
What
could be more Christmassy that that?
Peterson
Christmas Trees
NE
Fremont & 49th
Portland, OR
Portland, OR
