Charlie the Christmas Tree Elf Spreads Holiday Joy With Handmade Trees in St. Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, Florida, one senior is making the holiday season brighter for hundreds of people, one handmade Christmas tree at a time.

Charles Indingaro, affectionately known as “Charlie the Christmas Tree Elf,” has spent the past decade creating and giving away miniature Christmas trees to members of his community who might otherwise go without one. Each tree is handcrafted using wire hangers, garland, and lights, making every piece unique.

Indingaro, who is 89 years old, says the tradition began years ago when he tried to give his wife a store-bought miniature tree that she didn’t like. Instead of giving up, he took it apart and decided to make his own. That simple moment sparked a tradition that has now grown into more than 1,000 handmade trees shared with friends, family, and strangers alike.

He now creates about 100 trees each year, carefully twisting hangers together to form the frame before decorating each one. Indingaro says the joy on people’s faces is all the reward he needs.

A former Air Force engine mechanic, Indingaro credits his hands-on background for helping him master the craft, but says it’s his heart that keeps him motivated. His most recent delivery was to the HCA Florida Heart Failure Clinic, where he is also a patient. Several of his trees now decorate the clinic, with others given directly to fellow patients.

Caregivers and staff say Indingaro’s generosity has had a meaningful impact, lifting spirits throughout the clinic during the holiday season.

As he prepares to turn 90 later this month, Indingaro hopes his story inspires other seniors to find something they love and share it with others. For him, the mission is simple: spreading happiness and making sure everyone has a reason to smile at Christmas.

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