Many Texans can still remember trekking to the woods after Thanksgiving to cut down a live evergreen to grace their living room for the holidays. Just the scent of fresh pine could make young imaginations reel with thoughts of gifts piled under the tree glowing with colored lights.

Today, that one-of-a-kind experience is kept alive by Christmas tree growers across the state. Every year after Thanksgiving, Texas choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms open their gates, inviting customers to start or renew this old holiday custom. Most plentiful throughout East and Central Texas, farms can be found as far west as Abilene, Odessa and a few other West Texas towns.

Find the one nearest you, in addition to information on special activities offered at each farm such as hayrides, marshmallow roasts and picnics that help Texas families make a full day out of their visit. You can also visit the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association Web site at www.texaschristmastrees.com for a listing.

 Be sure to call ahead before you head out. Open dates and hours are subject to change. In some drought-affected areas, choose-and-cut farms may be temporarily closed.