For most families in the United States, the winter season is marked by Christmas traditions, and for many, that includes decorating a Christmas tree in their home. Unfortunately, this year Christmas may look very different as supply chain disruptions continue to impact commerce. The ongoing legacy of the coronavirus pandemic now includes Christmas trees, with consumers being advised of a Christmas tree shortage this holiday season.
Those who were able to buy real trees for their homes on the earlier side this year may have had a better chance of getting one in time for Christmas, according to tree farmers. Still, many Americans may find themselves without a tree altogether, whether real or artificial.
Not only have real trees been a popular tradition, but artificial tree purchases have been on the rise. In fact, while roughly 11.7 million artificial Christmas trees were sold in 2008, that number skyrocketed to 23.6 million in just ten years. That trend doesn't seem to be going away.
According to Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, "If you see something you like, buy it." This advice checks out during the ongoing supply chain debacle, especially since artificial tree sales have been affected too, considering most are imported from Asia. Due to freight costs increasing, and delivery times on the rise, the coronavirus pandemic has, once again, not let the Christmas economy be immune.
The percentage of Americans who celebrate Christmas does currently stand at 85%, down from roughly 90% as of three years ago. But with the retail value of the holiday season projected to reach 843.4 billion, and despite the reduction in availability of real Christmas trees, the holiday season assuredly isn't going away anytime soon.
That means it will simply change instead, and there's likely more of that ahead.
At this rate, and with the climate change and the rise of inflation to boot, Americans may find themselves ready to rethink their holiday traditions altogether, as the "new normal" in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic carries on.