Christmas begins with Pure Michigan!

When you think of Michigan's biggest exports things like cars, cherries, and Faygo come to mind, but we can't forget about one of Michigan's biggest money makers: Christmas trees?

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While I have fond childhood memories of our annual family outings to the u-cut tree farms in West Michigan, The Mitten isn't necessarily what comes to my mind when I think about Christmas tree farms. Instead, I think of states like Vermont and New Hampshire.

Am I wrong? Or have I been brainwashed by too many Halllmark Christmas movies?

Merry Christmas, Michigan!

According to the Michigan Ag Council Michigan is the 3rd largest supplier of Christmas trees in the nation. Each year Michigan harvests and sends between 1.5 to 2 million fresh trees to the national market.

Between 9 different varieties of full size trees plus additional décor items like wreaths, garland, and other fresh clippings this accounts for nearly $40 million in sales annually!

Adds the MI Ag Council,

Our state has approximately 37,000 acres in commercial Christmas tree production...For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan Christmas tree farmers plant three new trees for future harvests

Who Else Made the 'Cut'?

Oregon is the top Christmas tree producing state followed by North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. Sources say there are between 25-30 million real trees sold in the U.S. annually.

When it comes to the top-selling tree varieties in Michigan the Firs, both Fraser and Douglas, are the most popular. Scotch Pines are also among the most-sold tree variety in Michigan, but my family was always partial to the Blue Spruce!

Do you prefer a real or artificial Christmas tree?

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees in Southwest Michigan

4 Quaint Towns in Michigan That Are Just Begging For A Hallmark Movie

From Saugatuck to Mackinac Island, here are 4 communities across The Mitten that Hallmark should consider as the backdrop for their next movie!

Gallery Credit: Lauren Gordon

Michigan—Your Antique Ceramic Christmas Tree Could Be Worth Some Money

You may have seen this at your grandma's house growing up. It came out for Christmas, and you had to be extra careful around it so you wouldn't accidentally break it: antique ceramic Christmas trees. These vintage trees are making a huge comeback right now. You can find newer versions in stores, but it's the older antique ones that could be worth a good bit of money these days. Take a look at some ceramic Christmas trees below to get an idea of some of the styles you should keep an eye out for.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

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