Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm holds season opening Friday

Nov. 21—Owning a Christmas tree farm was Marin Leafer's dream for 20 years — but it wasn't until 2019 that her dream became a reality.

Pine trees, especially in Oklahoma, take about five years to mature — so it wasn't until the 2022 Christmas season that Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm opened to the public.

Now in its second season, the tree farm has become what one Stillwater resident told Marin — like stepping into a "Hallmark" movie, where like their tagline "memories and traditions are made."

The Christmas season opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.

There is no fee to visit the farm, but after the season, the tree farm is open for private events and photographers, and cost varies based on group size and the amenities guests prefer.

During the rest of the season, the Leafers will be selling trees from Friday — Sunday until Christmas Eve, or until they sell out. Four different types of fir trees will be available, along with decorated fresh wreaths.

Guests don't have to buy a tree to visit the farm, Marin said. But there will be plenty of trees in stock.

Along with the Virginia pine on the property, the Leafers bring in trees from other states. Their Nordman fir trees are allergy-friendly, come from Oregon and hold their needles well.

All of their 10-foot trees (or taller) come from Wisconsin — including the 22-foot tree that the City of Stillwater will light at the Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights on Dec. 7.

Last year, Marin ordered 130 fir trees and sold out within eight weeks. This year, she's purchased 275 pre-cut firs.

There's plenty for families to do at the farm. There are games, swings, a seesaw and a 40-foot slide. There's a fire pit for making S'mores.

There's the Gingerbread House, where guests will find Leafer Lodge Farm gear, tree stands, tree skirts and personalized ornaments. And there are a lot of baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies and hot chocolate.

There's the Sugar Shack where guests can find concession items such as hot apple cider and popcorn.

And, yes, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be visiting the farm on Dec. 2.

Everything — from the swing set to the decking on the Gingerbread house — is made out of cedar trees the Leafers cut down and skinned.

"Everything matches our log cabin house," Marin said. "I'm extremely meticulous, and so I wanted everything to flow and be aesthetically pleasing to the eye."

Marin said the family set up the property and buildings to appeal to the senses — sight, smell and taste.

"We had a sorority out ... and they were like, 'I literally feel like I'm either in a Hallmark movie or at Silver Dollar City,'" Marin said, laughing.

Guests park in one area and take a hayride to the main area, or they can walk the 100 yards.

The Leafers have hosted multiple family movie nights, and more than 200 guests attended their latest showing on the 300-inch movie screen. They use hay bales for seating and huge sandstone boulders that they found on the property.

They also host other benefit events, such as the Lions Meadow of Hope.

The Leafers are originally from Oklahoma and moved back to Stillwater after living in Manhattan, Kansas for 20 years. Marin grew up in Stillwater, but moved to Muskogee when she was 11 years old. Both Marin and her husband, Chris, graduated from Muskogee High School.

When they bought their 10 acres in 2019, the land was overgrown with trees. Part of that land is now used for parking, while the rest of the land is "where the magic happens," Marin said. "It's a lot of work — but a lot of fun and so rewarding."

Marin said she's always loved Christmas, and growing up, her mom always made it special.

"I love the whole meaning behind Christmas with the birth of Jesus, and just the feel-good spirit of the season," Marin said. "I don't like to get wrapped up into the retail busy-ness of the season — I think that loses the true meaning of the Christmas spirit."

Marin and Chris have six kids, but only the two youngest daughters, Bella and Gentry, help on the farm. The Leafers consider all of their employees family.

"When you come to work for Leafer Lodge Farms, you're never an employee," Marin said. "You will always be part of the Leafer family."

She said it makes her sad when people say they hate Christmas, when they're stressed out or when they can't afford to buy a lot of presents for their kids. Bringing the Christmas tree farm to life was her way of giving back to the Stillwater community, to allow them to enjoy the spirit of the season.

"I hope they feel that as soon as they step onto the land," Marin said. "I want to give people a place to remember what the Christmas season was intended for from the time that it began."