As we approach one of the most beloved times of the year, it’s a magical time for many, but Christmas has become an increasingly expensive holiday.
Two of the season’s most common activities, such as Christmas tree and gift shopping, are increasing in price this season due to inflation.
Tree farms across the nation are expecting input costs to rise by as much as 20% according to the Real Christmas Tree Board. Additionally, the RCTB expects to see an increase in wholesale price due to the rising input cost.
In Hamden, there are four tree farms. One of the biggest in the town is Broken Arrow Nursery, they have two locations, one located on Broken Arrow Road and the other on Evergreen Avenue. According to their website, the Evergreen Avenue location has a “better” selection of trees.
Owner Burton Jaynes has been working in the Christmas tree business for the past 15 years. His father started the business, planting his first tree in 1945.
“There’s definitely been inflation in the Christmas tree industry,” Jaynes said. “We typically don’t raise the price, but over the past years we’ve had to because of increased costs (labor and production costs).”
This year, Christmas trees cost $75 each, a four-dollar increase from the previous season, but this is not stopping customers. Jaynes said the farm sells about 2,500 trees each season and so far this year, the numbers are projected to look similar.
Families have been coming in groups to look for their new living room centerpiece for the next month. The only thing missing now is the gifts.
Rita Cretella, owner of The Barn Boutique & Gifts shop located at 3210 Whitney Avenue said inflation did not impact the store’s inventory, but the prices in the shop.
“We’ve had to go up on a few little things just because you know, prices have gone up,” Cretella said. “But otherwise now we just keep striving.”
The shop hosted its second annual “Mingle Jingle” sale event on Dec. 3.
The event included a 20% off sale on the shop’s items, giveaways for customers to win from local businesses and mimosas to enjoy.
Cretella said the purpose of “Mingle Jingle” was to bring a homey feeling to the community.
“We wanted to have a place where people can come like years ago,” Cretella said. “(They) can have that old-school, warm feeling shopping somewhere local in Hamden.”
The Barn Boutique & Gifts has been working with Hamden’s Chamber of Commerce. Cretella said the shop plans to have weekly sales and events leading up to the holidays.
Hamden residents can find more holiday events on the town’s website.