ALVIN, Texas – Early Christmas decorators might be in for a shock this holiday season as tariffs drive up prices on seasonal items across the board, with some retailers already cutting their holiday inventory by up to 20%.
“Things will be slightly more expensive this year due to tariffs,” says Jami Warner, Executive Director of the American Christmas Tree Association, a nonprofit education association that helps consumers choose the best Christmas trees for their families. “With a minimum of 30% tariff on Christmas trees and décor, and even higher for Christmas lights at 65%, consumers can expect to pay a little bit more.”
The impact is particularly significant given that 87% of Christmas decorations come from China, making most holiday items subject to these tariffs. The price increases affect:
- Artificial Christmas trees: 20% increase
- General imported Christmas décor: 30% increase
- Christmas lights: 63% increase or more
- Wreaths and garlands: Significant increases
Wait and you might be too late
Typically, it’s not a bad idea to wait for something you want to go on sale, maybe around Black Friday. But this year, do the opposite.
“Costco, for instance, ordered 15 to 20% less inventory,” Warner said. “There’s about 10 to 15% less Christmas inventory out there right now. If you see something this weekend while doing your Thanksgiving shopping, buy it. We’re not sure what Black Friday or after Black Friday will bring.”
How to save this season
For budget-conscious shoppers, real Christmas trees might be the more economical choice this year.
At Froberg’s Farm in Alvin, Texas, trees are selling for just over $100 on average, which is a stark contrast to artificial alternatives.
“I just today saw a seven-foot artificial tree for $450,” says Tyler Froberg, who runs his family’s 200-plus acre Christmas tree farm. “These are grown right here in Alvin, Texas, so it’s not possible for them to have a tariff on them.”
The farm’s most expensive option, a 12 to 13-foot tall tree that’s six and a half to seven feet wide, costs about $220 to $230, while their average tree price is around $130.
“You’re helping support a local business, helping support our local economy,” Froberg explains.
Rejoice. Reuse. Recycle.
Froberg’s Farm specializes in cypress trees, offering unique advantages for Texas customers.
“Most importantly, they’re hypoallergenic. Anyone who has a pesky allergy to firs or pines usually won’t have an allergy to cypress trees,” Froberg notes. “They’re also very low shedding and clean in the house.”
The farm grows about 10,000 trees at any given time, with 1,500 available for sale this season.
Each tree takes four to five years to grow from sapling to harvest size. They even offer unique options like “snowman trees” – specially shaped trees that add a festive touch to the traditional Christmas tree experience.
When you’re done with your real tree, you can even give it new life.
“We either encourage them to bring it back to us and we’ll feed it to our flock of sheep and goats,” said Froberg. “And then we’ll reuse everything that they don’t eat, either in fence posts or what have you, stabilizers for the new trees. Or we encourage them to take them down to Surfside Beach as part of the dune reclamation projects.”
While prices are a significant consideration, both artificial and real tree vendors emphasize the experience of holiday decorating.
“Christmas brings a lot of joy,” Warner says. “There are proven psychological benefits to decorating and what it does to your psyche, just seeing beautiful trees and lights and colors around. I think we all could use a little bit of lift this year.”
Froberg’s Farm adds to the experience with a holiday market, Santa Claus visits, and hayrides around the Christmas tree farm.
For those looking to minimize holiday spending this year, experts recommend:
- Shopping early to take advantage of promotional prices
- Considering locally grown real trees instead of artificial ones
- Checking both online and in-store deals
- Planning purchases around early-season sales
- Being flexible with decoration choices as inventory may be limited
Despite the rising costs, Warner reminds shoppers of what matters most: “There is no such thing as a bad Christmas tree. All Christmas trees are beautiful, whether it’s Charlie Brown or a big, beautiful 18-foot tree. It’s not really what’s under the tree, it’s who’s around it.”