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Santa and Christmas trees in Sussex

| 28 Nov 2012 | 02:12
    From left Anthony Yeswita of Hasbrouck Heights, Frank Tricarico of Sparta and Dave Smith of Hoboken at the DeGasperis Family and Friends Christmas Tree Cutting Tailgate Party.
    From left Anthony Yeswita of Hasbrouck Heights, Frank Tricarico of Sparta and Dave Smith of Hoboken at the DeGasperis Family and Friends Christmas Tree Cutting Tailgate Party.
    Siblings Kamren (4 months) and Kiana (2) Delgado of Newton, pose with Santa at the Newton Holiday Parade.
    Siblings Kamren (4 months) and Kiana (2) Delgado of Newton, pose with Santa at the Newton Holiday Parade.
    At left John DeGasperis and daughter of Newton, wait to be served at the Tailgate Party.
    At left John DeGasperis and daughter of Newton, wait to be served at the Tailgate Party.
    A&B Bagels & Deli owners Bob Russso and Mickie Russo. A&B Bagels & Deli provided much of the food at the Tailgate Party.
    A&B Bagels & Deli owners Bob Russso and Mickie Russo. A&B Bagels & Deli provided much of the food at the Tailgate Party.
    From left Jenn Mann of Freehold, Britt Desch of Colts Neck, Ann Romano of Sparta, Meag Desch of Colts Neck and Lynn Desch of Colts Neck attend the Tailgate Party on the grounds of Saint Paul's Abbey in Newton.
    From left Jenn Mann of Freehold, Britt Desch of Colts Neck, Ann Romano of Sparta, Meag Desch of Colts Neck and Lynn Desch of Colts Neck attend the Tailgate Party on the grounds of Saint Paul's Abbey in Newton.
    A family looks for the perfect Christmas tree for their home.
    A family looks for the perfect Christmas tree for their home.
    Kristine Zurovchak (9) and Kathryn Zurovchak (6) of Newton, with Santa.
    Kristine Zurovchak (9) and Kathryn Zurovchak (6) of Newton, with Santa.
    Santa Claus made an appearance at the annual Newton Holiday Parade and families shopped for Christmas trees at Saint Paul's Abbey in Newton, New Jersey on Saturday, Nov. 24.
    Santa Claus made an appearance at the annual Newton Holiday Parade and families shopped for Christmas trees at Saint Paul's Abbey in Newton, New Jersey on Saturday, Nov. 24.

By George Leroy Hunter

NEWTON — The holidays are upon us with festivities in Sussex County. Santa Claus made an appearance at the annual Newton Holiday Parade and families shopped for Christmas trees at Saint Paul's Abbey in Newton, this past Saturday, Nov. 24.

While ol' Saint Nick was posing for photos at the Newton Holiday Parade, Bill and Becky DeGasperis of Sparta were having a good time with family and friends at the Saint Paul's Abbey Christmas Tree Plantation.

The annual DeGasperis Family and Friends Christmas Tree Cutting Tailgate Party (not the official name but is organized by the DeGasperis family) was in full swing. What started as a gathering with close family members and grandparents more than 20 years ago has turned into a bigger affair. The DeGasperis' would pick a tree to cut down and take home for the holidays but would have a little food beforehand.

Fast forward to 2012 and the Thanksgiving weekend gathering looks like something you would expect at the parking lot of Metlife Stadium. A&B Deli of Newton supplied much of the food but everyone involved brings a little something — all the ingredients for a good time.

Hot food on the grill and beverages kept everyone filled up. According to Becky DeGasperis, "This all started 25 years ago at another farm in Branchville, with just our family and grandparents. We eat some food and then go find a tree to cut for Christmas. The party has grown over the years involving not just my family but others too."

This is the first year the event has been held at Saint Paul's Abbey Christmas Tree Plantation. The tailgate party outgrew its former location in Branchville. A steady flow of DeGasperis family members and friends and probably a few party crashers joined in the festivities. The party went on for several hours before any trees finally got cut to take home.

The Saint Paul Christmas Plantation is open daily from through Dec. 20. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wreaths as well as trees are available for purchase at the plantation. The wreaths are supplied by the Don Bosco Knights of Columbus Council 7784 of Newton.