It sounds dramatic but believe it or not, Christmas was thought to be cancelled this year. The antics are the result of a (very true) global supply shortage and delays in shipping. Both of those are known issues but they do not threaten the holiday, says the American Christmas Tree Association.
“ACTA said shipping costs for plastic trees could quadruple compared to 2020, because of supply chain problems. Chinese-made artificial trees on ships unable to unload at US west coast ports have been re-routed through the Panama Canal to the east coast, doubling delivery times,” writes Edward Helmore of The Guardian. It’s also noted that the live Christmas tree industry is facing supply issues after extreme heat and wildfires in the Northwest. Rising labor and transportation costs can also create issues for the industry, this year.
“Christmas is not canceled, everyone will be able to find a Christmas tree,” said Jami Warner, executive director of ACTA. Warner predicted a 10-30% price hike but suggests, “a lot of that on the artificial side.” Artificial Christmas trees, that is. Doug Hundley adds that the price for live Christmas trees may be 5 to 10 times higher than last year. Hundley is a seasonal spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association.
But, all experts indicate that Christmas is not, and will not be, cancelled. It’ll just a be a little different and we probably shouldn’t expect a buffet of Christmas tree options.
