On a crisp winter afternoon just off Hwy. 10 in Gore, the smell of pine drifts across the fields at Cal2Homa Christmas Tree Farm. For Rachelle and Brian Batsole, this small, family-owned operation is more than a seasonal business— it’s the realization of a lifelong dream and a place where holiday memories are carefully grown. A simple phrase woven into everything they do—“Growing Family Memories.”

Batsole’s love for Christmas trees began long before Cal-2Homa ever took root. While living in California, she remembers cutting a fresh tree right in the middle of Orange County.

“In the middle of the city you could cut a fresh tree,” she recalled. “And of course, who doesn’t love Christmas?” That simple joy stayed with her, and when she and Brian eventually settled on land near Gore, she knew exactly what she wanted.

The Batsoles planted their first trees in January of 2000 and officially opened the farm in 2002. This season marks their 23rd year of cutting trees from the field. In the early days, Batsole laughed, they were cutting small trees; just to get their name out there. Today, Cal2Homa may proudly describe itself as “the little farm that could.”

Cal2Homa offers both a choice of cutting your own trees and pre-cut options. Growing in the fields are Virginia Pine, Murray Cypress, and White Pine, with a small experimental planting of Colorado Blue Spruce. Because Oklahoma’s climate is too warm for some popular varieties, the Batsoles also bring in Fraser firs, balsam, Scotch pine, and Douglas fir.

“We work directly with the owner in Michigan.” Batsole says. “We also have wreaths that are part of our holiday offering.”

Behind every tree is years of careful work. It typically takes four to six years for a tree to grow from planting to harvest, depending on its size and the weather. Each tree is trimmed by hand twice a year, and sheared for shape. The Batsoles use minimal treatments, relying only on products available to homeowners and avoiding harsh chemicals. A drip irrigation system helps during dry years, while solar-powered devices humanely encourage gophers to move along.

“There’s lots of fields, go somewhere else,” Batsole joked. “Just not in the trees.”

From the Friday after Thanksgiving through Dec. 23, Cal2Homa opens its gates seven days a week. During that time, the farm becomes a holiday destination. Families sip free hot cocoa, kids play games, feed animals at the petting zoo, and pose for photos while their tree is shaken, baled, and tied to the car.

“We don’t want to nickel and dime people,” Batsole said. “We sell trees, we sell wreaths; that’s what we do.”

That generosity has helped build a loyal following. Many customers return year after year, now bringing their children, and even grandchildren to choose a tree. “We have customers whose kids are married now and coming to get their own tree,” Batsole shared. Families travel from Eufaula, Tahlequah, Fort Smith, Broken Arrow, Tulsa, McAlester, and beyond. Some campers even stop by on their way back to Texas after Thanksgiving.

“If they’re going to come that far,” she said, “we want to give them an experience.”

Experience is exactly what visitors find. The average family spends anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours on the farm, lingering over hot cocoa, photos, and conversation. Batsole treasures those moments, especially with children.

One of her favorite memories came from a young visitor who proudly announced, “We found a tree!” When she asked which one, the child replied, “A green one!”

At its heart, Cal2Homa is about connection, to the land, to family, and to tradition. It’s a feeling Batsole hopes visitors leave with; growing family memories, in the truest sense. Real Christmas trees, Batsole emphasizes, are renewable and environmentally friendly. For every tree harvested, three are planted. The trees can be recycled, mulched, or even used to help fish habitats after the holidays.

“Real trees for real people,” Batsole said.

When asked what she hopes visitors take home, Batsole didn’t hesitate. She wants them to leave with happy memories—the kind that last long after the ornaments are packed away.

“We don’t just sell a tree,” she said. “We want it to be an experience.”

And while Batsole jokingly notes that her name comes first because it was her business dream, she’s quick to credit Brian as her “willing partner,” sharing the land, and the labor. Together, they’ve grown more than Christmas trees at Cal2Homa. They’ve grown a place where traditions are planted, nurtured, and carried home, one green tree at a time.