Nigel Manley with one of the Korean fir trees he’s been growing for the past few years on his Bethlehem, New Hampshire farm. Eleven days before Christmas, an outdoor firepit crackles next to the gift shop at South Farm in Bethlehem. A speaker plays carols as cars roll into the small parking lot. Nigel Manley, bundled up in wool pants and a red and green hat with a festive pom pom, runs the show. He’s a big deal in the Christmas tree world: he’s on the board of the national Christmas tree association, and a leader in several industry groups in New England. He fell into the job while working at The Rocks. He was working for a cattle farmer, helping with a variety of jobs. But then, the farm started growing Christmas trees. “Basically I could either do a Christmas tree farm or not have a job. So Christmas tree farming seemed to be like a good idea.” He loved it enough to start his own farm in 2014. Nowadays, he says he sings “Jingle Bells” all year round. Christmas trees grow at South Farm in Bethlehem. 1 of 3 Christmas trees grow at South Farm in Bethlehem. Mara Hoplamazian / NHPR Manley sells about three quarters of his trees wholesale. The other quarter are available for people to cut themselves. 2 of 3 Manley sells about three quarters of his trees wholesale. The other quarter are available for people to cut themselves. Mara Hoplamazian / NHPR Liliana and Gene Farr, right, chose a Korean fir tree for their Christmas tree this year. 3 of 3 Liliana and Gene Farr, right, chose a Korean fir tree for their Christmas tree this year. Mara Hoplamazian / NHPR Manley plants about 900 trees a year. And he likes to experiment […]