As the holiday season approaches, Texas is getting a festive makeover—one real Christmas tree at a time! While the rest of the country is seeing a decline in traditional tree farms, Texas growers are thriving, with an impressive surge in both the number of farms and the land used for these leafy wonders. The state reported 125 growers managing about 945 acres in 2017, but that number has shot up significantly in recent years.

According to Aaron Brungot, owner of Brungot Farms, the love for real Christmas trees is deeply rooted in tradition. He recalls how his family chose real trees over presents—talk about setting the scene for Christmas magic! And it turns out, he’s not alone; sales of real trees in Texas have increased by a whopping 26% since 2017, a trend fueled by strong community support and the holiday spirit.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller notes that this booming market contributes well over $800 million to the local economy each year. It’s a reminder that while some might prefer the convenience of fake trees, there’s something undeniably special about the smell of pine and the memories made around the real thing. So, will Texans keep the real deal in their homes this holiday season? It seems likely, and let’s face it, they might just be the greenest state when it comes to celebrating Christmas!