Cutting your own Christmas tree remains a cherished tradition east of Amulree

Tree farm owner Paul Kroes, who operates the business with his wife Debbie Roth-Kroes, helps Mike Wymenga of New Hamburg with the spruce tree he selected. With roughly 200 trees available, visitors know they’re taking home a fresh-cut Christmas centrepiece because they cut it themselves. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Families from across Oxford, Perth and Waterloo counties are still embracing the timeless tradition of picking out and cutting down their own Christmas tree, and a quiet corner of North Easthope Township east of Amulree has become a favourite destination.

Visitors arrive from communities as far as Kitchener-Waterloo, Woodstock and Ingersoll, drawn by the chance to walk the rows, choose the perfect tree and make a memory together.

Once the tree is cut and loaded, families gather around an open fire to warm their hands and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies – a simple ritual that has become as meaningful as decorating the tree itself.