NYC Christmas Tree Selling: A Look Inside 'Merchants of Joy' Documentary

The Grueling Life of NYC Tree Sellers

• 🎄 Christmas tree sellers operate 24/7 on New York City street corners, facing harsh conditions like cold, rain, and wind.
• 🏠 Many sellers, like Eric Kang and his son Cashmere from Canada, live in curbside trailers for the month they are working in the city.
• 🛠️ Their living spaces are basic, featuring a small kitchen, bunk beds, and crates for food storage.

'Merchants of Joy' Documentary

• 🎬 A new documentary titled 'Merchants of Joy' explores the lives of five families who dominate the tree selling business in New York.
• 📺 The film, available on Amazon Prime Video, features interviews with sellers like Eric Kang, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and challenges.
• 🤝 The documentary highlights the competitive yet interconnected nature of the business, with sellers described as "frenemies."
• 🌟 The Kang family has been selling trees for 49 years, indicating a long-standing tradition in the industry.