The natural Christmas trees from Taxiarhis, Chalkidiki, are flying off the shelves as the festive season approaches. Producers are busy cutting and restocking fresh trees to meet demand. According to Giannis Xakis, president of the local community and a tree producer, the village has already shipped a 10-12 meter tree to Crete, reflecting the nationwide enthusiasm for Taxiarhis trees.

Sales Momentum and Export Success

With over 60 sales points across Greece, producers are optimistic about surpassing last year’s sales of 32,000 trees, including exports to Cyprus and Albania. The highest recorded sales occurred in 2009, with over 48,000 trees sold. Xakis expresses hope to return to or exceed this milestone. Exporting to Cyprus for over 18 years and to Albania for the last three years, Taxiarhis producers have established a strong international presence, sending more than 2,500 trees annually to these markets.

Price Points for Every Budget

Prices for Taxiarhis trees remain accessible despite increased transportation and setup costs:

• Thessaloniki: €40 to €100.
• Athens: €50 to €150, with taller trees being particularly popular.

Xakis notes that producers bear significant expenses, such as rental fees for sales locations and up to 50% higher transport costs to Athens compared to other regions. Nevertheless, they are committed to accommodating consumers through negotiations and flexible arrangements.

The Unique Challenge of Christmas Tree Farming

Cultivating fir trees is a demanding occupation, often requiring 12-hour workdays during certain stages. The process involves:

1. Planting seeds in spring.
2. Growing seedlings in nurseries for three years.
3. Transplanting the trees to pots or fields, where they grow for 8-10 years.
4. Larger trees, such as those over 3 meters, may take up to 12 years to mature.

A Festive Tradition

The holiday season in Taxiarhis officially began on November 7 with the lighting of a 13-meter tree in the village square, a cherished annual event. Taxiarhis producers, while enduring the challenges of being away from home, cherish the interactions with loyal customers who have become like family.