Halloween may have just packed up its pumpkins and ghosts, but the Christmas spirit is already twinkling across both the real world and the grid. With only 44 days until Christmas, it seems even the digital snowflakes have started to fall early. All around Second Life, lights are being strung, carols are playing, and hearts are softening just a little, proof that the season of warmth and wonder is impossible to contain.
Nestled within the snowy region of Larsen, you’ll find one of the most charming holiday destinations on the grid: Tex’s Tree Farm. For seven years, this lovingly crafted winter wonderland has invited Second Life residents to experience the joy of cutting down their very own Christmas tree, a roleplay tradition that combines nostalgia, creativity, and community spirit.
📍Visit Tex’s Tree Farm:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Larsen/81/200/103
Tex Humby and his partner Summer Humby are the creative hearts behind the farm. Together, they have designed every detail, from the frosted pines to the cozy barn that welcomes guests with cookies, cocoa, and the soft sound of Christmas radio streaming in the background.
Tex shared that the farm has remained open year-round, maintaining its charm even outside the holiday season. “It’s been about seven years,” he told me. “It stays open all year, along with the Gacha Store that’s there.”
While many creators move their sales to the Marketplace, Tex’s vision is rooted in experience rather than convenience. “My desire was to establish a tradition to go to a location, select a tree, and chop it down,” he said. “You can actually chop the tree physically. It’s part of the fun.”
A Family-Friendly SL Tradition
Visitors to Tex’s Tree Farm can grab an axe, find their perfect unadorned tree, and chop it down themselves before bringing it home, complete with festive lights and decorations. It’s an ideal outing for couples or families looking to share a seasonal moment together.
Tex explained that there are also wreaths and stockings available to purchase, each customizable so residents can add their own names or change textures. It’s a small touch that makes the holiday feel even more personal. And if you’re in no hurry to leave, there’s plenty to explore. Tex pointed out that beyond the main farm, guests will find the “Under the Tree” Gacha Store, as well as seven additional domes filled with festive gachas. There’s even a chair lift that carries visitors over to one of their nearby restaurants and sushi bars for a warm meal after tree shopping.
A Cozy Barn and Warm Hearts
After chopping your tree, don’t miss the chance to step inside the big red barn. There, soft lighting glows off rustic beams, and steaming mugs of cocoa sit beside holiday treats. Plush couches and cheerful pillows make it the perfect spot to rest your avatar’s feet and soak in the magic of the season.Tex mentioned that in past years, the farm has also given back to the community, contributing to Second Life charitable events such as the American Cancer Society. “This year has been very busy,” he shared, “but we’ve always believed in supporting causes when we can.”
Seven Years of Snowy Dedication
Tex’s Tree Farm stands as a labor of love, one that continues to grow with every season. When asked if he plans to expand or sell trees elsewhere, Tex smiled and shook his head. “That’s a full-time job just keeping what’s there going,” he said.
And it’s easy to see why. Every tree sparkles under the grid’s winter sky, every lamplight glows with the hum of festive music, and every visitor walks away with a smile and a beautifully chopped tree in their inventory. So whether you’re a long-time resident or new to Second Life’s holiday traditions, make your way to Tex’s Tree Farm. Bring your partner, your friends, or your SL family, and experience the joy of a holiday moment you can truly call your own.
