Challenging economic times did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of those shopping for Christmas trees Saturday at Central Coast farms and lots, or lessen significantly the amount of money they were willing to spend for the perfect tree.

Christmas tree sales so far have been similar to past years, according to area tree farm and lot owners.

The consensus among a number of owners and patrons is that a Christmas tree is an important symbol of the holiday that people are not willing to give up, even in the face of rough financial circumstances.

Mark Burnett, co-owner of Burnett Christmas Tree Farm on Highway 246 in Buellton, said the economy had not affected sales at his farm.

“People can’t wait for Christmas. They want a reason to laugh, smile and be happy,” he said.

Burnett said people choose to have a Christmas tree, even if it means cutting out a gift.

Indeed, Chris and Laurie Stone of Santa Barbara, who came to the farm with their 19-month-old son Connor, did not skimp when choosing their tree — which happened to be the first one they pulled away from the others to inspect.

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“We’ll not compromise the tree. We’ll compromise some gifts,” Chris Stone said.

Tree prices at the Burnett Christmas Tree Farm had not been raised this season, Burnett said, and hadn’t varied more than $2 or $3 within the last five years. “We’re very steady,” Burnett said of business.

Mike Monighetti, owner of G.P. Ranch Christmas Trees on Batchelder Road in Los Alamos, said sales were “pretty good.”

“It could go a little better, but we realize times are tough,” he said.

Monighetti said the ranch lowered prices slightly on Christmas trees because of the economy.

Chuck Bohl, partner at McCoy’s Christmas Trees on North H Street in Lompoc, said business was good.

He said that those purchasing trees were making selections with cost in mind. “They’re shopping for economy trees, but they’re not buying the real small ones. The medium-sized,” Bohl said.

Santa Barbara resident Joe Robillard, who has been coming to the Burnett Christmas Tree Farm for 24 years, since he was 3, said Saturday at the farm that as a banker, he pays close attention to money issues year-round.

He was not deterred from looking for the ideal Christmas tree.

“The tree picks you,” Robillard explained. “I try to quantify how happy my ornaments are going to be on that tree.”

November 30, 2008