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It’s over the creek and through the woods to Paradise Christmas Tree Farm we go for those South County residents who know their way to the scenic holiday spread which has been operated by proprietor Don Bianucci since 1980.
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Located on Yvonne Drive in rural Morgan Hill are four acres of Douglas Fir, Coastal Redwood, Monterey Pines and Incense Cedar trees along a picturesque hillside at the cut-your-own tree farm.
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“It’s all about family here,” said Bianucci, who has lived on the 11-acre estate since 1969 with his wife Margaret.
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When families first arrive ready to explore his property, Bianucci informs them of the different trees to choose from and where to find each one. It’s cash or check only, but Bianucci tells one unexpecting family that “if you look honest, you can take the tree and mail in your check.”
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That old-school approach—along with the quiet, peaceful atmosphere—is what separates Bianucci’s family-run business from large-scale operations.
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“It’s a very low key, no-frills, family business,” said the retiree from General Electric who tends the trees all year to make sure they are ready to go for the holiday season. “This is my chance to relax.”
‘Family tradition’
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Finding a Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving is a tradition for 12-year Morgan Hill resident Nelson Mendonca and his family of four. When picking out the perfect one, wife Brandy loves the smell of the fresh trees; 11-year-old son Jaden looks for the perfect shape; and 10-year-old daughter Makenzie says it’s “gotta be tall.”
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“We usually spend Christmas in Tahoe so we get a second tree there as well,” explains Nelson as he tries to keep up with Jaden, who runs ahead to point out the one he likes best.
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“It’s about spending quality time with the family, enjoying each other’s company and picking out the perfect tree,” added Brandy before leaning in for a close sniff of a tree that caught her eye. “It doesn’t matter how old (the kids) get. We’re going to come out as a family every year.”
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This is the first year the Shales Family, who moved to Morgan Hill this past summer, ventured to the Paradise Christmas Tree Farm. But they quickly found a 10-foot Coastal Redwood that suits them just fine.
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“This is awesome. We got the last perfect one on the lot,” joked mother Chris Shales, who was accompanied by her family of five along with cousins visiting from Southern California. “The day after Thanksgiving every year; it’s a family tradition.”
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Nine-year-old Chloe Shales helped cut down the tree with the saw supplied to all patrons before they walk the grounds in search of their holiday centerpiece.
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“It was fun,” said Chloe, whose father Gordon and big brother Jackson carried the 10-footer up from the front of the property and loaded it on their vehicle.
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“Loved it,” said Gordon of the experience. He explained that he lived in Morgan Hill growing up but moved away only to return to raise his own children. “(Family) is what it’s all about here in Morgan Hill.”
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Traveling down from Silicon Valley was another family that included 11-year-old Karina Estrada, of San Jose, toddler Gabe Harris and 63-year-old grandma Pamela Hoover.
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“It’s a beautiful place,” said Hoover as the youngest of the clan took turns sawing the fresh Cedar tree they selected. “We been doing this for years and years. We walked right to this one.”
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For Margaret Bianucci, welcoming visitors to her home is a Christmas custom for 35 years and counting.
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“I always look forward to Christmas. Everyone is really happy and (they) have fun,” said Margaret, who staffed the cashier station while her husband greeted everyone. “It’s fun to see the people who have been coming out forever. Some came as kids and now have their own children. Then, others find us for the first time online.”
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Where: 15220 Yvonne Drive, Morgan Hill
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When: Day after Thanksgiving through Christmas
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How: Select and cut down choice of Douglas Fir, Monterey Pine, Coastal Redwood or Incense Cedar trees
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Who: Owned by retired couple Don and Margaret Bianucci
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Directions: From U.S. 101 exit Tennant Avenue headed west, at Monterey Road continue straight onto West Edmundson Avenue, then turn left onto Sunnyside Avenue, right onto Sycamore Avenue and right onto Yvonne Drive. If you get lost, call (408) 779-2946
