At Wells Christmas Tree Farm, the Christmas magic you experience is the result of an entire year of planning, hard work, and a little holiday spirit. While December is when the farm comes alive, it’s the behind-the-scenes work throughout the year that makes it all possible. From planting seedlings in February to the intense weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, every moment is part of what we call a labor of love.

The Countdown to Opening Day

By mid-November, the farm transforms into a hub of activity as we prepare to open for the season. From sunrise to well past dark, we work every single day to ensure everything is in place for our customers. The week before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year—it’s when the pre-cut trees and fresh wreaths arrive by the semi-load. These shipments need to be unloaded, sorted, and displayed, a monumental task that requires the help of our incredible team.

But that’s not all. The week before Thanksgiving is also when we handle business deliveries and set up large trees for homes and venues around the area. It’s a full schedule, and with most of our workers and volunteers juggling full-time jobs or school, we rely on every bit of help we can get. Seeing their dedication, especially when they make time to help unload the first truckload of trees, is a powerful reminder of the community that makes the farm so special.

On top of that, our daily to-do list is packed with 15-20 tasks that need to be completed as we count down to opening day. Whether it’s sprucing up the farm, organizing the gift shop, or preparing the tools and sleds for tree-cutting, there’s no time to waste. By Thanksgiving morning, we’re tying up loose ends and getting ready for the big weekend.

Opening Weekend: A Holiday Marathon

The day after Thanksgiving marks the official start of the season, and the farm bursts to life. Opening weekend is a monumental operation, with over 30 employees working long hours to deliver the magical experience our customers have come to expect. It’s non-stop action as families cut their own trees, explore the gift shop, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

While the work is exhausting, it’s deeply rewarding. Seeing families create lasting memories—whether it’s their first visit or a long-standing tradition—reminds us why we pour so much into these few short weeks.

Sacrifices and Rewards

For a few weeks each year, we put everything else in our lives on hold to focus entirely on the farm. Katy steps away from her fitness classes at Stoic, and I take leave from my job as a Database Administrator at Devon Energy. Even our holiday traditions look a little different. As I write this, we’re on our way to a Wednesday night Thanksgiving dinner with my parents because there’s no time for a full day of feasting and lounging like most families enjoy. It’s tough, but it’s necessary to make the farm the magical place our customers love.

Looking Ahead: A Major Surprise

While the farm is bustling during the holiday season, we’re always thinking ahead. This January, we’ll begin a major improvement that will take the farm experience to a whole new level. Without giving too much away, let’s just say it will include new features that will delight families for years to come. Stay tuned for future updates as we break ground and bring this exciting project to life!

Time to Decompress

After the season ends, we take a much-needed moment to rest and reflect. In early January, Katy and I (Jesse) head to Cancun for a few days to recharge and focus on the year ahead. It’s become a cherished tradition—a chance to step away, relax, and dream about what’s next for the farm and our family.

A Labor of Love

The farm is more than a business for us—it’s a place where traditions are born, connections are made, and the spirit of Christmas comes alive. From the intense work of planting seedlings in February to the bustling weeks before Thanksgiving and the joy of helping families find their perfect tree, every step of the journey is one we treasure.

Thank you for being part of the Wells Christmas Tree Farm story. We can’t wait to share the magic of the season with you—and stay tuned for updates on the exciting new addition coming in 2024!