For each of the last 19 Christmas seasons, Doug Irwin has transformed the corner of Garnet Avenue and Bayard Street into a winter wonderland in the Pacific Beach sunshine. The scent of a pine forest sneaks in and the noises of the street vanish after walking into the Christmas tree lot. Irwin owns the lot, which was once the first paid parking lot in Pacific Beach. He has also lived in Pacific Beach for 33 years. He got his start working at a Christmas tree lot while living on the East Coast and attending Rutgers University. “It’s an old-fashioned Christmas tree lot,” Irwin said. His favorite part of the day is when he sees families stop in and children playing tag among the Douglas firs, noble firs and grand firs. The cost for the trees starts at $21. He is also selling pre-decorated trees of all sizes for the first time. Irwin also has Douglas firs between five and eight-feet tall for $29.95. The trees are from farms in Oregon and Washington. “If you leave unhappy, I have not done my job,” Irwin said. Customers can also purchase Christmas tree stands, garlands and wreaths. Trees can be delivered and pricing depends on how far the tree needs to travel, as the lot draws tree-seekers from as far away as Carlsbad and Jamul. Irwin said those distant travelers, who pass dozens of Christmas tree sellers while en route to Pacific Beach, purchase their trees at his lot for the nostalgic feeling their journey creates. He speculated that maybe they used to live in Pacific Beach or maybe they are just looking for a nice day at the beach. He said he dressed as Santa Claus while he worked his first year in business. He now has five workers employed who he held as children when he was dressed in the big red suit. Hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.