Tree trimming tips from The Rocks

There are as many ways to trim a tree as there are Christmas trees. There are sparkling  trees, color-themed trees, and trees filled with a hodgepodge of cherished family ornaments. Tinsel, garland, white lights, colored lights. Topped with a star or an angel or Santa Claus.

The beauty of a Christmas tree is really in the eye – and the heart – of the beholder.

If you want to add a fresh, personal touch to your tree this Christmas, homemade ornaments are fun to make and can be eco-friendly, too. A few ideas:

* Snowflakes cut from recycled paper (plain, colored, or patterned)

* Holiday ribbons tied to pinecones (which could be natural or dipped in glitter) or around cinnamon sticks (which add a touch of spice to your tree)

* Old Christmas cards cut into shapes and hung with ribbon

* Garlands strung with popcorn, cranberries, and dried apples

The first step to a beautiful tree, of course, is keeping your farm fresh Christmas tree, well, fresh! When your Christmas tree was cut, over half its weight was water, so the most important thing to do is keep that tree watered. Here are some tips for maintaining your tree’s freshness throughout the holiday season:

* Before you set your tree in its stand, make a fresh cut in the trunk, about ½-inch from the bottom.

* Place your tree in water as soon as you can and make sure the reservoir of your tree stand stays filled – the base of your tree should stay submerged to ensure it does not dry out.

* Try to keep your Christmas tree away from heating sources like fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents – and out of direct sunlight – to prevent drying.

* Miniature tree lights (LED lights are most energy efficient) produce less heat than larger lights, and therefore less drying.

* Finally, when the holidays have passed and you’re ready to recycle your Christmas tree, visit www.realchristmastrees.org to find out more about recycling options. (Christmas trees should NEVER be burned in a fireplace or wood stove, as doing so can cause excessive creosote buildup and lead to chimney fires!)

Need more tree care tips? Visit the New Hampshire Christmas Trees website for more information. 

P.S. Just a reminder that the last day to order your Christmas tree online is December 12^th if you live outside of New England and December 18^th if you live within the New England region!

Holiday shopping made fun and easy at The Rocks Estate

Amid the considerable joy and festivity of the holidays comes the sometimes not-so-enjoyable task of finding gifts for all the good boys and girls on your list. Well, The Rocks Estate can help!

With two shops filled to brimming with holiday goodies and unique gifts (plus our super shopper-friendly online store), your holiday shopping at The Rocks will be fun and easy.

Our gift shop, located in the former electric plant building at The Rocks, is brimming with handmade wreaths, crafted right here at the farm and featuring a merry assortment of designs, from simple bows and ribbon to whimsical forest characters and adornments of berries and other seasonal flora. Shoppers will also find ornaments, fresh garland, birch deer, and Rocks Estate items in the gift shop.

The Rocks Marketplace, located in the red barn, is a showcase of goods from more than 30 regional artisans, from ornaments and pottery to homemade fudge and local books and music. Highlights include handmade Deeda’s Baskets, crafted by Vermont artist Linda Lomasney; jams, jellies, and soups from White Mountain Canning Company; and festive hand-poured chocolate pops from RHD Candy Company – perfect for stuffing stockings!

Both shops are open daily through the season from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. C’mon in and cross some names off your gift-giving list!

Of course, while you’re here, there’s lots of holiday fun happening, too. The Rocks is open daily through Christmas Eve for cut-your-own tree seekers, and we always have a fine selection of freshly cut Christmas trees in our retail lot as well. Weekends are chockfull of festive events. Check out our online calendar for more information.

Happy holidays – and we’ll see you soon at The Rocks!