The holidays are looking very different this year, but some traditions can survive even a pandemic.

While Ohioans searched for healthy, outdoor, and socially distanced activities in the spring and fall, there was an unprecented demand this year for pick berries, peaches, and apples.

Christmas trees could continue this trend.

Greg Walsh of the Walsh Tree Farm in Licking County agrees the Christmas tree business could be busier than last year.

The good news is the trees on this Ohio farm are suriving the pandemic just fine.

"We have a very large, healthy crop of Fraser Fir Christmas trees this year," Walsh said.

It turns out the good weather we've had for farming this year is not the main reason the trees have flourished, however.

"Actually, much of the the credit goes to species of tree that we are able to grow. Fraser Fir are very hearty and adaptable to different types of weather as long as there is good drainage," Walsh said. "One thing they cannot tolerate is soil that stays moist. Our farm happens to sit on some rolling hills and has very good drainage."

If getting a live tree from a farm is a tradition in your family, like everything, it will be different this year.

"COVID-19 has caused us to adjust our upcoming retail sales procedures. We will be taking payments and doing other business outside instead of in our sales building," Walsh said.

Other precautions listed on their website are: 

• Hand sanitizer available for customer use
• Employees will wear masks and have daily temperature checks
• Customers are encouraged to bring their own saws, however, sanitized ones will be available

The Walsh Tree Farm will be open for business this year beginning Saturday, November 21 through Sunday, December 20.

The farm is closed Thanksgiving Day. 

Maybe we can get inspiration from the fir tree this year. They are resilient and seem to flourish even in the toughest times.