GREENSBORO, N.C. — One of the biggest debates of the holiday season is this: When is the right time to put up your Christmas tree?
Some say before Thanksgiving, while others insist it’s better to wait until after. But no matter where you stand, one thing is for sure: A lot of families in the Triad wasted no time this year. Many left the Thanksgiving table and headed straight to pick out the perfect evergreen, one that holds a special meaning.
For some, the tradition runs deep.
"I remember coming here when I was a kid," said Mary Craig Tennille, who lives in Winston-Salem.
For others, like Morgan Dugan, it was a first.
"First time we’re getting a real Christmas tree, and we just wanted to kind of make it maybe a Thanksgiving tradition," Dugan said.
Buying a real Christmas tree has become a staple for many families, but this year it means even more.
Many of the trees in the Triad are grown in western North Carolina, an area still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
"The recent hurricane caused some devastation to the land up in Boone, North Carolina, which is near and dear to our hearts. And so to be able to support them in our hometown is amazing," said Maggie Hild, who lives in Greensboro.
For many tree farmers in western North Carolina, Helene destroyed acres of their trees. On average, each acre can hold nearly 3,000 trees.
For first-timers like Dugan and her family, knowing they’re lending a helping hand is an added bonus.
"I think it’s a great cause, and we’re definitely happy to be a part of that to support that cause, they need it more than anything," Dugan said.
"It was really sad to see everything that happened, all the devastation, but it’s nice to know that we can do a small part to help out," Tennille said.
From tall and narrow to short and fluffy, every family has their own idea of the perfect Christmas tree.
But the families who shared their stories this Thanksgiving all agreed on one thing: They were happy to know buying a real tree this year could help farmers in the western part of the state. Many said they’re just glad they could give back this holiday season.
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