Christmas tree collectors downsize for good cause

OSHKOSH - Barb Peterson and her daughter Nicole bring new meaning to putting up the Christmas tree.

“We grew up, we had a tree, and then it became two, then it became four...and then pretty soon it’s over 100,” said Nicole Peterson.

Nicole Peterson’s collection of Christmas trees grew to more than 120. Her mom had even more, with about 160 trees.

“This is what I collect,” said Barb Peterson. “At different times of the year, the trees are decorated differently.”

“I love Christmas,” said Nicole Peterson. “I got that from my mom.”

The mother-daughter duo has decided to share their holiday spirit.

“I think it was just time to downsize a little bit,” said Nicole Peterson.

For the past month, the Petersons have been selling their trees out of the old Kline building in downtown Oshkosh.

“People are like, 'are you going through withdrawal? Are you going to be ok?' I think yeah, because I want everybody to see all these,” said Nicole Peterson.

“This is very difficult for me,” said Barb Peterson. “They became a part of my life. My kids left home and I started collecting Christmas trees.”

What makes the process easier for the Petersons is knowing the money raised will go to the Oshkosh Area United Way.

“I feel good about it because it’s going to a really cool place, because they are really happy about it and the United Way is going to benefit,” said Nicole Peterson.

The two still have plenty of trees left in each of their houses. Barb Peterson admits she likely still has 50 trees in her house. Nicole Peterson says she has about seven left.

“I don't know how I would go without, so there's always going to be lots of Christmas trees around, but maybe just never to that 120 mark anymore,” said Nicole Peterson.

The Petersons say they have already raised about $10,000 for the United Way by selling about 75 trees. Their last day for selling the trees is this Saturday.