Trees for Troops Coming to Bustard's

Susan Shiber submitted the following information:

As crisp cool shorter days evolve into wintry wonderment, there is much talk about tradition and the spirit of Christmas. However, in a world dictated by instant gratification and digital downloads, the true meaning of tradition is often lost in a flurry of tweets, blogs and avatar interaction. The Bustard family of Christmas tree fame hopes to bring back a bit of real American holiday heritage this season.

“For more than 80 years, we have helped thousands of folks celebrate Christmas with real trees,” says Jay Bustard. “As we end the second decade of the 21st century, we envision a magical time of families gathered together around a table creating ornaments to hang on fragrant trees. Perhaps grandparents will share memories and vintage trim. Maybe schools will plan holiday décor crafting projects. There aren’t a lot of things more gratifying than genuine decorations from America’s past hanging on real trees from America’s present,” remarks Bustard.

To stimulate creativity, Bustard’s launches Inspiration Corner featuring trees adorned in an array of ideas from American homes of old. Visitors will discover white roses and apples, hand-blown German fruit, hearts and stars and Bohemian beads. There may be a Norman Rockwell theme or two and a few pressed paper and tin-ware trimming tips.

One of Bustard’s favorite ornaments is the kissing ball, which will be sold at its holiday shop this year. Kissing balls date to the Middle Ages when villagers twined evergreen branches into a ball centered with a clay child to represent the baby Jesus. These symbols of good luck hung from ceilings in homes and castles to bestow blessings on all who passed under their boughs. During the Victorian era, kissing balls were beribboned potatoes or apples studded with holly and sweet herbs. By the end of the 19th century, the attractive orb took on a romantic role and kissing balls were enhanced with sprigs of mistletoe. At galas and parties of the day, unmarried women lined up beneath rows of such balls awaiting kisses from eligible bachelors.

Of course Bustard’s is bursting with trees, too.

“Fraser Fir is perhaps the perfect tree for a traditional Christmas,” suggests Bustard. “It allows for large ornaments, so there can be a nice mix of lights, garland and lots of baubles. Douglas Firs are thick and lush, ideal for those who prefer a minimalist approach. We have trees for tall ceilings, small rooms and a large selection of aromatic exotics.”

Other selections include Concolor, Nordman, Blue Spruce, Noble, Meyer Spruce, Korean Fir, Turkish and Grand Firs. Trees are grown and harvested at Bustard-owned farms in Worcester Township, Carbon County and New Brunswick, Canada. “We really stress the importance of buying locally,” says Bustard. One hundred percent of all real trees standing in homes throughout the U.S. are grown in North America, while 85 percent of artificial trees are imported. Choosing from a regional tree farm like ours keeps your money at home, another very nice tradition.”

In addition to kissing balls, Bustard’s presents several other new products including window and mailbox swags and a wreath collection from P. Allen Smith, award-winning designer and public television host. There will also be garlands, grave blankets and a beautiful assortment of wreaths deftly originated by Virginia Bustard and her team of crafty elves. The Bustard family will be available to provide tips and help in selecting the best tree for particular needs and preferences.

Trees for Troops Weekend
Fast becoming a holiday tradition that is vitally important at Bustard’s Christmas Trees is Trees for Troops (T4T). This year, T4T weekend is Saturday and Sunday Dec. 3 and 4. Bustard’s will load its donation of 50 trees on a FedEx truck stationed at the Bustard Road farm. Various displays will commemorate the troops and Santa Claus will join Bustard’s helpers all weekend. Customers may buy trees at discounted prices from a special T4T grouping.

As part of Bustard’s push for an old-fashioned Christmas, youngsters are encouraged to create and bring their own handcrafted cards and decorations that will be sent to the bases along with trees. In addition, cash contributions can be dropped in a T4T bucket and free greeting cards will be available for anyone who wishes to send holiday wishes to military personnel.
“Since T4T began in 2005, The Christmas Spirit Foundation has delivered 84,000 fresh cut trees to military bases throughout the U.S. and overseas,” reports Bustard. “It set a goal to reach 100,000 in 2011, which we are proud to help make happen. Our personal objective is 300 trees.”

Real Christmas trees will be sold at the original family business at 2210 Bustard Road, Village by the Pond, 1200 North Gravel Road, Zieglerville, Montgomery Commons, Welsh Road in Lansdale and Vernfield Village Market, 883 Main Street in Vernfield. All locations will open the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 25th. Bustard Road and Vernfield hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through December 23rd. Village by the Pond and Montgomery Commons hours are 1 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 610.584.4058. Visit www.christmasspiritfoundation.org for details on Trees for Troops, a 501(c)3 public charity.