RUNNELLS, Iowa — Families all over central Iowa flocked to tree farms to find the perfect tree during Thanksgiving weekend.

While many families start the day in the hustle of Black Friday shopping, a majority of families use Thanksgiving weekend to get up their holiday decorations.

Jill Miller-Brady is the manager of Miller Tree Farms and says the weekend after Thanksgiving is their busiest time.

“A lot of family tradition out here though, so I think a lot of people they start doing it, especially with their kids,” said Jill. “With our kids its third generations of families that are coming out so it’s just, it’s tradition.”

Miller Tree Farms was started by Jill’s family over 70 years ago and the whole family helps run the operation. Wreaths are made by her brother, her daughter helps run their holiday shop, and so many others help with tree cutting and prepping.

The Millers want to make picking out the Christmas tree a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. Families are able to write letters to Santa, drink hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, find unique holiday decor, and choose from a variety of trees.

Once you pick out your tree, the workers give it a fresh cut, shake the tree out so any loose debris falls out, and then wrap it up.

Donnie Ahrens has been going to Miller Tree Farms the weekend after Thanksgiving for over 10 years and enjoys picking out a tree with his loved ones.

“It’s our time to buy a tree and we always come out to Miller Tree Farm,” said Donnie. “The Friday after Thanksgiving it’s just kind of a tradition in our family.”

Though some shy away from the added work of a real tree, Donnie says the work is minimal and it’s just not Christmas without one.

“Don’t mind the work at all, not at all, we love it. Keep it watered, keep it safe, they do a fresh cut for you, and we put it in water right away and keep it watered. Thats it, just a little common sense,” said Ahrens.

Even if you’re not looking for a real tree the Miller farm has ways to bring the smell and feel into your home.

“We sell a lot of wreaths. My brother makes them every day. We sell a lot of bags of greens. A lot of people, even if they can’t have a tree, many people say they can’t for whatever reason,” said Jill. “So, they get a wreath that’s freshly made, and then they have the smell of the of the pine tree.”

The Miller Farm opened the weekend before Thanksgiving and will run until they are out of trees, Jill says usually sometime between December 10th and 15th. So, if you don’t want a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, it’s best to get yours soon.

To learn more about other local Christmas tree farms click here.