DENVER -- While it may be a white Christmas in the Colorado high country, it's just the opposite in the Denver metro area. The nice weather is proving to be a Grinch for Christmas tree lots.

“It's been tough,” said Shawn McKee, of Cherry Creek Christmas Trees. “Not having snow has been hard on us. We have just been praying for it.”

McKee said this year, besides flocking, the trees on his lot have not seen any white stuff, not even a dusting as the metro area experiences near-record temps.

“I kind of realized it was Christmas yesterday,” said Zach Solotoff.

Solotoff and his girlfriend went to Treeland on Santa Fe Boulevard to buy a tree Monday.

For tree lots, which rely on the Christmas spirit, that's not a good thing.

“I think the weather gets people in the spirit,” said McKee. “When it starts to snow a little, people want to stay inside and get warm (and) do things with the family and decorate the tree.”

Cherry Creek Christmas Trees is not the only tree lot with an abundance of trees.

“Since I was a kid I never remember it being this nice during Christmas tree season,” said Scott Young, of A Tree Land Christmas Trees, located on 1720 South Santa Fe Boulevard.

Young said he even had people purchase a tree this year wearing shorts.

“Without the snow it is different,” said Young. “Customers are saying that too. The spirit just isn't the same because of the weather.”

Young said add a slow economy on top of the warm weather and he said tree sales are cold. Young said every year, some people wait until last minute to purchase a tree because they can’t afford one and hope the closer it gets to Christmas the cheaper one will be.

He said he understands people are having a tough time and is willing to work with anyone in need.

“I gave away a tree last night,” said Young. “(It’s) better to give then receive.”

For Solotoff and his girlfriend, the tree they purchased is just what they needed for their first Christmas away from home.

“It will help foster the Christmas spirit,” said Solotoff.

Young said anyone who wants a wreath can stop by Treeland and pick one up for free.