By Jessica Cage

One of the most important parts of Christmas is the Christmas tree. It is the focal point of the holiday’s decorations. It is where the lights will hang, where the gifts will rest as they wait to be unwrapped and where cocoa will be sipped and stories will be shared. There is nothing like a real Christmas tree that exudes the scent of pine throughout your home during the holidays. This year, instead of just taking your family to a standard nursery, take them to cut down their very own. This not only gives your Christmas that all-important holiday hub, but it adds a special touch as it will be something you and your family accomplished together. There are many places close to Chicago that offer the opportunity to create this personalized touch.

(Credit: benstreefarm.com)

Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm
7719 Ryan Road
Harvard, IL 60033
(630) 279-0216
www.benstreefarm.com

Just a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Chicago is Ben’s Tree Farm. This farm offers 12 varieties of 100 percent organic trees that are completely free of pesticides. From firs to pines, your family will not be low on choices. Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm provides everything you will need like a wagon ride to the tree of your choice and complimentary shaking and bailing. Prices start at $6 per foot but vary based on the type and size of the tree.

(Credit: camelottrees.com)

Camelot Christmas Tree Farm
16380 S. Somonauk Road
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-6599
www.camelottrees.com

Camelot Christmas Tree Farm is one hour west of Chicago. Here you will have two options. Either pick a pre-cut tree or chop down your own. The fee is the same as all trees go for one set price of $50. Camelot offers 10 different varieties of trees so your options will not be limited. Saws and twine are available at the farm and shaking and bailing are free.

Related: Best Toy Stores in Chicago

(Credit: honeybeeacreschristmastreefarm.net)

Honeybee Acres Christmas Tree Farm
41W072 Bowes Road
Elgin, IL 60124
(847) 464-9627
www.honeybeeacreschristmastreefarm.net

Honeybee Acres Christmas Tree Farm is an hour drive from Chicago and is a complete “Cut Your Own Christmas Tree” farm. You are given the choice of three different trees that grow up to 10 feet tall. Prices are based on the type of tree. Pines are $38.95 and spruces and firs are $54.95. You are encouraged to bring plastic bags and a tarp to protect the roof of your car from damage caused by the tree. Bring your own saw or borrow one while you are there. Once you have your perfect tree, take a picture with it and your family in Santa’s sleigh right before trying one of the 13 flavors of hot chocolate provided in the Reindeer Cafe.

(Credit: talltimberstreefarm.com)

Tall Timbers Tree Farm
56245 70th St.
Hartford, MI 49057
(269) 463-5750
www.talltimberstreefarm.com

Tall Timbers Tree Farm is located two hours northeast of Chicago in Michigan. Take a mini road trip with your family to this beautiful 80-acre farm which offers nine different types of trees for your picking. Tall Timbers offers tree tagging. This means that you have the option of visiting early in the season, tagging the tree that you feel is right for you your family and coming back when you are ready to cut it down and take it home. You will get a hayride to pick your tree and shaking, bailing and drilling are included. Call or email for price quotes.

(Credit: http://www.pine-applefarm.com)

Pine-Apple Farm
309 Three Oaks Road
Cary, IL 60013
(847) 639-3248
www.pine-applefarm.com

Pine-Apple Farms is an hour south of Chicago and offers four different varieties of trees which are guaranteed to last throughout the holiday season with proper care. Pine-Apple Farms provides everything you will need to cut down your own tree. Call or email for price quotes. The farm is open to the public during the weekend but if you wish to visit Monday through Friday, you must call and make an appointment. While you are there, ask about the Golden Retrievers. The pups are bred and placed with loving families. You may just walk away with a special holiday gift of your own.

Related: 2012 Chicago Holiday Theater Preview

Jessica Cage is a freelance writer from Chicago. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.