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The Huron Expositor, 1984-12-19, Page 14A14 -- THE HURON EXPOSITOR, DECEMBER 19, 1984 MERRY CHRISTMAS Real Christmas trees warm up heart, home What began as a means to earn extra cash for Christmas 20 years ago, has become an annual occupation for Gordon Nobel. Although he says he didn't expect to be doing it for as long as he has, Mr. Nobel says selling trees has become an activity he hopes to continue as long as possible. 'Back then there were about five of us selling trees, and because of this and that, the others just dropped out of the business. And now it's just me," says Mr. Nobel. Describing it as a risky business, Mr. Nobel says selling Christmas trees hasn't been all fun and games. There have been some rough times, "You have to take the bitter with the sweet," he says. "It's okay when the weather is good, but when it's cold — well some people take a long time to make up their minds. And sometimes there's been a foot of wet snow settle on the trees overnight and it takes two men to handle them." But despite some of the problems associated with the business of selling + r THANKS, FRIENDS, FOR YOUR CONTINUED BUSINESS. SALES PITCH—Local Christmas tree entre- qualities of one of his trees to customer preneur Gordon Nobel, (eft', points out the Archie Robertson, (Mcllwralt+'tphoto) Greetings from the management and staff 523-9666 In Downtown Blyth SINCE 1894 Box 70 Blyth, Ontario Front 1t�,!4, Sallows, Hart, De.a y McCauley. I to r MacDonald George Miller, Gerald Grooth- uis, Cathy Hak, John Feeney. MACLEAN HOME IMPROVEMENT Egmondville 527-0032 Warm \\lshc,. Ior Fl ,t'a,nn ,,t triund,hip and }tial cheer. Many thank, It,r �nur,ttjlpttrt SEAFORTH JEWELLERS Seaforth 527-0270 The staff of Seaforth Motors Limited would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks and apprec ration for allowing us to serve you over the past year and to extend our warmest greetings during the holiday season and wish you a healthy and successful year to come ��JRD Seaforth Motors Limited • Soles • shr;ice .4 aging 220 Main St., S. Seaforth 527-1010 Your Satisfaction is our First Conrcrn Christmas trees, both Mr. Nobel and his wife Gerda enjoy it. "Sometimes it's a little bit tough, but 1 don't mind selling the trees," says Mrs. Nobel, "There's excitement when people some with their children and they're all excited about picking'!out the tree. Everybody gets into the spirit — everybody likes to pick out the tree," she says. For the most part Mr. Nobel says pine treks are the most popular tree, although he does sell some spruce and balsam trees as well. And on an average most people buy a tree in the Six foot range. "Everybody has a different taste. Some people, if they have high ceilings, want a taller tree. I've sold trees that have been anywhere from four feet to 14 feet high." he says. Mr. Nobel says the majority purchase their trees at least three weeks before Christmas. But that too changes because of the weather." . 'If it is nice, people will buy their trees May laughter warm yours hearts & home LUKE'S'% MACHINE SHOP Seatorur' 527-1080 1. We've got you covered, friends, with sincere hopes for the best holiday yet. Many thanks for your trust In us early. But if it is stormy weather, the people hold off and hope the weather will ease off." Regardless of the weather Mr. Nobel says demand for a real tree at Christmas has dropped off. There are a lot of artificial trees. At the. beginning there weren't any, but now I'd say about 75 per cent have artificial trees." But despite the trend towards the artificial tree, Mr. Nobel says the business is still treating him well. "We just have to be able to guess how many trees. we will sell each year. So we don't buy too many. If we don't sell them, we end up taking them to the dump after Christmas, and we lose money," he says. All in all Mr. Nobel says he enjoys his Christmas hobby. It's kind of nice. You meet people 'again every year and it may be the only time in the year you see them. And, if it's not too cold you talk for awhile." "It's rather a busy time. There are lots of phone calls and people come by. It takes a fair bit of time, But we'll keep on doing it." Orp*-40e- Merry Christmas & ,Happy New Year Clip 'N Curl Ix V Phone: 887-6343 V Brussels Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year ETUE Insurance Agency Seaforth 527-0720 During this holiday season, we'd like you to know that your business 15 greatly appreciated. Don & Pat Deighton & Staff til ©a©A flio 43 MAIN ST., SEAFORTH joy to the world Sing your carols of joy this Christmas season 'nd fill the world with love and happiness. John Ea Longstaff Optometrist Seaforth 527-1240 0 o • ° ° 0 SINCERE WISH -ES THAT THIS H-OLIDAY FURNISF+ YOU AND YOURS WITI+ GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIC1DS AND GOOD FUN! WC APPRCCIATE YOUR BUSINESS. . FROM ALL OF US AT BO FURNITURE XMAIN STREET, SEAFORTH