For San Antonio resident Miguel Alvarez, choosing a Christmas tree with his blended family has been an annual tradition they started six years ago. It’s something he hopes they’ll continue to do for years to come.
“I never had a real Christmas tree growing up, so I’ve always liked to come out and pick one and cut it down ourselves,” Alvarez, 40, told MySA. “It’s all about the experience. It’s a tradition we value a lot as a family.”
The tradition includes Alvarez and his family visiting Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm in Bandera County, 40 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio. Pipe Creek is one of approximately 20 Christmas tree lots and farms spread across San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Doug Hingst knows all about family traditions. His family has been running Pipe Creek for more than 30 years. Hingst said visiting his farm is a perfect start to the holiday season.
“It’s so hard sometimes to get the family together, so this is a good way,” Hingst, 63, said. “Everyone comes out here with their kids, and they always look so happy. It’s great to see the same families come back each year and watch the kids get bigger.”…