News 12 at 11 o'clock, December 21, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---With a quick cut and a good shake, another Christmas tree will find its way to a home. Christmas tree farmer Matthew Gay says during this holiday season, the economy has all but slowed down his business.

"Two weeks ago, we were swamped out here. We couldn't keep up. We had seven people cutting trees, two inside the store, hayrides going. No lunch breaks no stopping," said Matthew Gay.

Matthew says while the economy has hit some businesses in the pocket, it's helped his Christmas tree sales.

"I figured with the economy being like it is right now this year that sales would be slow but sales have been fantastic this year. We've seen no decline in sales at all this year,"said Matthew.

He's seen more people coming with their families this year to pick out the perfect tree, rather than just coming alone.

"The parents gave the children an ultimatum. You get four gifts and no tree or three gifts and one tree; all the children say they have to have a tree. So I guess they're cutting back on the gift giving rather than cutting back on the Christmas tree,"said Matthew.

And while some may be cutting back on the gifts, Matthew says he's glad it's not the trees that are getting the ax.

"It makes me feel good. I was a little worried going into the season. But after the first couple of weekends I could tell we were on track where we've always been, even a little better. So I feel pretty good about that,"said Matthew.