The holidays mean different things to different people, but they all share a common thread of tradition. For those who celebrate Christmas, the family Christmas tree stands as a beloved symbol of the season. Its sparkling beauty and festive spirit embody centuries of history. There’s something magical about gathering together to decorate it—hanging shiny glass ornaments, crafting handmade garlands, and draping the tree in twinkling lights.

The tradition of using greenery during Christmas dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries in England, when holly and ivy were commonly displayed. In Christmas: A Biography, Judith Flanders suggests that modern Christmas trees may have evolved from the practice of adorning street poles with holly, similar to the Maypole. One account even mentions a tree stump, knocked over by a storm, which some believe could have marked the origins of the modern Christmas tree.

As Christmas traditions spread across Europe, they began to take on new forms. In Germany, a guild in Freiburg decorated trees with apples, gingerbread, tinsel, and wafers. Strasbourg, now part of France, is credited with hosting the first Christmas tree market. By the 17th century, unadorned trees, known as weihnachtsbaum—simply meaning “Christmas tree” in German—were being sold. 

By the late 19th century, the tradition had crossed the Atlantic to the United States. Cities like New York and Philadelphia began to display large public Christmas trees in town squares and public spaces, cementing the tree’s place as a symbol of holiday cheer. In 1923, the first “National Christmas Tree” was set up at the White House, showcasing the new technology of electricity with 2,500 light bulbs. Then, in 1931, the 20-foot-tall Rockefeller Center tree became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. It marked an iconic moment in the American holiday tradition, one that continues to draw millions each year. 

While Christmas trees have evolved into public displays of festivity, their roots remain deeply personal. For Mike Landis and his family, the Christmas tree is not just a spectacle but a cherished tradition that brings joy to their community. The Landis family began offering ‘cut-your-own’ Christmas trees at Landis Tree Farm in 2012. Since then, local families have wandered the farm’s sprawling thirty-five acres, searching for the perfect tree. “It’s truly a family affair,” Mike shares. “My dad and I do most of the seasonal work, and during the Christmas season, my two daughters, my mom, dad, brother, and his family of six all pitch in. We’re also joined by close family friends who help out each year.”

The farm grows blue spruce, Douglas, and Canaan fir trees, with the average tree taking seven to ten years to grow before it’s ready to be cut and brought home by families. It’s a labor of love. “Christmas trees are a year-round job,” Mike explains. “Trees are usually planted in early spring and fertilized regularly to help them grow. We mow the fields throughout spring, summer, and fall to keep the area clear and healthy. Mid-summer is when trimming begins, and it usually takes a month or two to complete. By the end of November, we’re busy preparing to open to the public and start selling trees. After Christmas, I begin cleaning up the fields from the trees that were cut, preparing the land for replanting.”

The property on which Landis Tree Farm sits dates back to at least the mid-1800s. Horace L. Landis purchased it in 1930 and began cultivating its fertile soil and raising chickens to supply eggs to local hatcheries. This agricultural foundation eventually set the stage for the family’s transition to growing Christmas trees. Mike and his two daughters moved to the farm in the early 2000s. Over the years, some parts of the original property were sold for development, though one still remains in the family—another tree farm in Limerick owned by Mike’s cousin Tim.

There are many famous television Christmas trees; one of my favorites comes from A Charlie Brown Christmas. First seen in the 1965 animated special, the tree reflects Charlie Brown’s struggle with the commercialism of the holiday season, something so many of us contend with today. In search of the true meaning of Christmas, he finds a small, scraggly tree that everyone else has overlooked. With the help of his friend Linus, the tree is transformed with a single red ornament, symbolizing that even the humblest things can bring meaning and joy. It’s a reminder that Christmas is not about the size or splendor of the tree, but about the love and spirit we share.

Another of my personal holiday favorites is a passage from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In his moment of realization, the Grinch declares, “Maybe Christmas… doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” This resonates with me each year, as the rush of the holiday season sometimes makes it hard to remember that the true meaning of Christmas is not about presents or decorations, but about the connections we share with others—just like the family bonds Mike Landis experiences every Christmas at the farm.

The final line of How the Grinch Stole Christmas reminds us that the essence of Christmas is not about material gifts, but about the love and connection we share—much like the transformation of the Christmas tree over time. For Mike Landis, “I like the Christmas season because we get to see all the loyal customers and family friends. Christmas with my family is usually very simple because of the business. Over the years, it’s been really nice to watch my daughters grow into teenagers and begin helping out. This is the same with my brother’s children. My dad and I also get to spend a lot of time together.”

So, as families gather around Christmas trees this season—whether in grand public displays or the cozy warmth of their homes—let’s remember that the true spirit of Christmas isn’t found in the decorations but in the love we share with each other. For those in the Schwenksville area, a visit to Landis Tree Farm offers more than just a tree; it’s an experience of family, tradition, and the heart of Christmas.

Landis Tree Farm is located at 591 North Limerick Road in Schwenksville and will be open December 14, 15, 21 and 22.  Wishing you all a peaceful, joyful, and festive holiday season, where the true spirit of Christmas shines bright.