SUMMERFIELD, FL (352today.com) – The scent of a live Christmas tree resonates powerfully, evoking memories of past holidays, while allowing future generations to enjoy the same experiences that have become for many part of their family’s traditions.

Ann Murray’s Nicholas Christmas Tree Farm is keeping those special recollections alive.

“That’s our tradition every year after Thanksgiving, getting a real tree, and when we found this farm last year with our family, we just knew we had to come back here,” said Shirley Truy of Ocala, whose family was visiting from Miami and accompanied her to the Christmas tree farm. “There’s something magical about getting a real tree, the smell, having to cut it down, being with everyone. After last year, everyone has to come down because this is the coolest thing. We found the coolest farm. Everyone was really excited about the opportunity to cut down the trees.”

The tree farm itself has an enchanting quality, allowing one to experience the presence of Carolina Saphire, Florida Sand Pine and Red Cedar, in a welcoming environment.

“We want to support local agriculture,” said Enoch Sirois, who came to the farm with his wife Erin, and their daughters, Hannah, Lydia and Ruth, and purchased a 10-foot six-inch tree. “We’re also here for them to have the experience of cutting down a tree. We’re farmers in Weirsdale. We also try to support the farming community. Our farm is called the The Three Little Ladies. We’re at the Market at Lady Lake. We sell strawberries and blackberries.”

A series of trees in a variety of shapes and sizes on a grass field
A tree to the left of a family, with one daughter to the left of the two parents who are holding a child and another daughter to the right, who are standing on grass with trees in the background.
A tree to the left of a family, with one daughter to the left of the two parents who are holding a child and another daughter to the right, who are standing on grass with trees in the background.

Melissa Thompson is a familiar face at the tree farm, helping customers navigate their way through the process of finding the right tree for their home.

“My family and I have been helping for five years,” said Thompson. “We’re neighbors to Ann in the back. We started helping out and enjoyed the family time, getting to know her more, and helping with the Christmas tree farm. We see all these families that come back here year after year, it’s great. We just try to help them the best we can as they’re cutting their fresh Christmas trees, and it always brings that festive time of the season here, especially when you smell the fresh ones cut down. Just to see the happy faces and the little kids, it’s so fun to help her out.

The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day until Dec. 23. Payment is by cash only.

How to get to the farm

 Summerfield Tree Farm is four miles south of Bellview, take 441 to SE 135th St., turn right, make the first left on SE 80th Ave. and go 0.7 miles, it’s on the right.