Before the Thanksgiving turkey was cooked and out of the oven, Beck’s Holiday Specialties was already off and running.
After all, this is the time of year that the Beck family from Oregon – specifically, the city of Reedsport, located along the coast on Highways 101 and 38 on the banks of the Umpqua River – make that annual trip to Central Valley.
“We opened up our business a day early,” said Julie Beck, who, along with her husband Rick, has called the Christmas tree lot on the corner of Union Road near Louise Avenue (behind the Chevron Station) home away from home for the last 18 years.
During that time, a few generations have come here to pick up and choose their tree for the upcoming holiday.
Business usually kicks off on Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving.
According to Rick Beck, his lot with freshly-cut trees from the Willamette Valley at 1156 N. Union Rd. was fully stocked a week earlier than usual.
Included was an assortment of Noble fir, Douglas fir, Grand fir and Nordmann fir – all told, about 1,500 trees, ranging from sizes two to 15 feet.
“For families, (Beck’s Holiday Specialty) gives them that forest experience,” Jeff Beck said late Friday afternoon.
He and his brother Tom also make up the Beck family team, seasonal regulars to the Family City.
The Becks learned of Manteca from a family friend in Ripon.
“He showed us places and that’s how we found this spot,” Julie Beck said.
During that spans, a few generations of families from the area have become regulars here when it comes to Christmas tree shopping.
“We had one that came by earlier to take family photos,” said Julie Beck, who was operating the check-out counter filled with holiday accessories.
Besides trees, Beck’s Holiday Specialties has floor protectors, decorative wreaths, mistletoes, pre-made bows, tree stands, and cedar garlands.
“This is real cedar garland that looks great on a mantel or banister,” Julie Beck said.
Beck’s Holiday Specialties is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from now through the days leading up to Christmas.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.