ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Alongside shopping for deals and eating leftover sandwiches, for many, the day after Thanksgiving includes another tradition: finding the perfect Christmas tree.
For nearly 40 years, Gallagher’s in St. Petersburg has been helping find new homes for a field of firs, spruce and pine trees.
“We love it. We look forward to it every single year,” owner David Gallagher said. “It's kind of like a family tradition for everybody to come out and see us and buy a Christmas tree.” His parents started the company 36 years ago.
Families often come out to shop the selection of trees, wreaths and poinsettias right after they finish eating the turkey.
“You get the best pick of the trees, and it's just fun,” said Laura Butler, who was shopping for a tree Friday with her family, a tradition going back years.
“I have to not be able to hug it, and it has to be really tall,” Butler describes of the ideal tree. “It has to be fresh, got a good smell to it, you cannot pull needles off,” added her husband, Gary Butler.
Everyone has something they are looking for in these trees. For the Gallaghers and those who frequent their lot this time of year, it’s the holiday joy.
“It's just an amazing place to have fun and see people walk in with smiles on their faces and just have fun with their whole,” Hannah Gallagher said.
And, of course, seeing them drive off with a wrapped-up seasonal roof ornament.
“It's the best time to get it the day after Thanksgiving,” says Jason Kessler, who was buying a tree with his son, Caleb. “We wish everybody a great holiday season.”