Christmas tree lots were busy over the weekend as shoppers seem to be seeking an extra dose of Christmas cheer amid surging coronavirus cases.
John Pronzini has sold trees in San Rafael for decades and says he has never seen his lot so busy.
“It’s nice, it’s festive and there’s a lot of people here coming to get their Christmas trees,” said Zoey Tarkoski. She and her family were among many at the Pronzini Christmas Tree Farms who came out to get their tree before Marin County’s stay-at-home order goes into effect Monday evening.
“We do the classic homemade, handmade decorations from when we were two and three and then even my dad’s childhood decorations we put up there. So it’s very hodgepodge-y but very meaningful and sweet,” said Audrey Rydell.
Despite the rush, she and her family were able to go home with a towering 12-foot tree.
“I’ve been doing this 57 years. I think, I don’t know whether it’s the COVID thing or they’re trying to beat the lockdown, but we’ve been extremely busy. It’s probably twofold, people are home and the lockdown.”
Families are spending more time at home this year, which means more time to enjoy the tree and with many holiday gatherings and celebrations canceled, more need for holiday cheer.
While Monday’s stay-at-home order could lead to a drop in sales, Pronzini says with the surge in sales he’s seen, he’s not worried.
“I think we’ll be alright.”