how to buy a christmas tree in new york
Monday, December 5, 2011 at 10:10AM Step 1: Gather your roommates and proceed to 88th and Broadway, approximately one block away from home.
Step 2: Decide if you want a big tree . . .
Or a little tree. (We went with little!)
Step 3: Observe the living situation of the Christmas Tree people. I get SO curious about these people who live on the street for the month of December. After extensive questioning on my part, I've found that there are usually 2 - 3 Canadian or Swiss people living in one of these vans or campers, they make all their money for the year during this short 4 week period and they have a deal with a gym up the street where they shower. Isn't that SO fascinating!?! Oh the people watching during this time of year . . . !
Step 4: Check the bendyness off the branches. Or something like that. I don't really know, honestly. I just know my roommates kept 'checking' the branches for something.
It's a very thorough process apparently.
Step 5: Negotiate.
"This tree is $50."
$50!!!???
Yes, $50.
Ok. We'll take it.
Step 6: Pay the Christmas tree street person $50.
Step 7: Make a little hole through the branches so you can carry the tree home.
Step 8: Gather roommates to help carry MASSIVE tree the long trek home. (Across the street.)
Step 9: Stream lights and ornaments throughout tree.
Step 10: Enjoy your new Christmas Tree!
Reader Comments (7)
I have additional tips! I checked various vendors (Union square, outside a convenience store, guys with vans on the street). Trees outside a convenience store were consistently cheaper. Got a 5 or 6 foot tree for $40!
So glad you all got to do this together. That is no small feat! It looks great and all of you are cute as pie!!
What do you mean they live in the van on the street for the whole month on!! Is this all over New York?
love <3
I laughed all the way through this post because I could just picture you girls on this adventure. Love the tree and love the story. Merry Christmas.
Precious! What a fun adventure!
Whaaaa ! No storming off the tree lot after complaining about the price? (spinning the Suburban tires in the gravel to make a point). You've left behind all evidence of your carefully cultivated Texas tree traipsing traditions. Even the one that includes wearing shorts and flip flops to go spruce-shopping. Only difference here is the tree people living in pick-up campers are from Michigan and all their merch is spray painted green to look healthy through Jan 1.