The smell of balsam wafted through the air as tree-seekers searched through Wareham for the perfect Christmas tree. From Olson’s Garden Center to Nessralla Farms and even Mr. Chris Hair Design, shoppers had a variety of trees to choose from.

Whether their perfect tree was short, fat tall or thin, each shopper had a unique preference.

“It’s hard not to be festive this time of year,” said Melissa Ferreria, manager of Olson’s Garden Center, which has been selling trees for 32 years.

Her favorite tree is the Frasier Fir.

“They hold their needle but they are not as fragrant,” she said.

Some tree shoppers had different strategies to pick out their tree. The Tibbetts family was searching for one that was full with needles.

“I like to walk up and pet the trees,” said Heather Tibbetts with a laugh. “I want it to be soft.” 

It is tradition for the Cardosa family to pick out their tree at Olson’s Garden Center.

“Olson’s used to donate five trees every year for needy families, that’s why we also come here,” said Julie Cardosa, a former teacher at the Ethel Hammond School in Onset. 

The Cardosas found a tree that suited their needs.

“Nice, short and fat,” said Danielle Cardosa.

Saba Nessralla, one of the owners of Nessralla Farms, noted how customer service can play a role in what tree a shopper will choose. 

“Sometimes [customers] can’t decide, so they have us choose for them,” he said.

In addition to tree quality, freshness and scent, Nessralla said that price is an important factor for customers, especially in a time of inflation.

While walking through the firs and pines of Nessralla Farm with her family, Nicole Waite said that she could not contain her excitement.

“I love it when it's fat and when it smells so good,” she said about her perfect tree. “That smell makes everybody happy.”

Nicole and her family searched for what Nicole’s dad, Randy McWilliams called “a tall fatty.”

Jerry and Michelle Pugsley came to Nessralla Farms hoping to find their first real Christmas tree, preferably one that was 6 feet tall.

“We need to put it in an area where the puppy can’t get to it,” said Michelle Pugsley.

Their German Shepherd puppy patiently waited for its owners to select the tree.

Chris Gabriel of Mr. Chris Hair Design said that selling Christmas trees is in his blood. Gabriel has been trading the hair salon for the tree farm every December since 1985.

Gabriel takes pride in the 300 fresh trees in his lot. He also offers customized cutting, so that the trees can be ready for decorations as soon as his customers get home.

Frank Miller came prepared with a tape measure to find a tree at Mr. Chris’s that would fill up the space of a large room in his house.

“It has to be symmetrical,” Miller said. “With enough branches to fit lots of ornaments.” 

He found a perfect 9-foot tree and drove it home in his trailer.

Rosanne Degrenier of Ara’s Salon and Spa came to support her cousin Chris’s business.

“I drove by this morning and I already found my tree,” she said. “I rushed over here to get it before anyone else.”

No matter the size or shape of a Christmas tree, the best tree offers a space to be “surrounded by friends and family,” said Ferreria.