Last weekend we revelled in the most wonderful of family traditions. We went Christmas tree shopping at Welford Christmas Tree Farm. As Andy Williams immortalised in song ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year’ and — for me it really is — the lead up to Christmas is magical.
I can’t quite put into words just how much I enjoy this little activity.
Ever since we owned our own home, my boy and I have made a really big thing about ‘getting the Christmas tree’. It’s unquestionably my favourite annual excursion (and, given my enthusiasm for music festivals, that is a pretty impressive accolade).
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A Real Christmas Tree Farm
Some people prefer an artificial tree — no needles on the carpet to vacuum up, no annual expense — and I can see the attraction (sort of). Each to their own at the end of the day.
For me personally, getting the tree is more than just the tree itself.
It’s about the excitement of a lovely day out. It marks the start of the countdown to Christmas; the anticipation of the big day. And if I was ever feeling a little bit ‘bah-humbug’, about the impending festive season, ‘getting the Christmas tree’ is a surefire antidote to that.
I love it.
Particularly as the Welford Christmas Tree Farm has more than just Christmas trees.
There’s a barn, complete with animals. This year they had two reindeers — Katya and her little son Hector — plus piglets, turkeys, goats and donkeys.
Welford Christmas Tree Farm
But Welford Christmas Tree Farm is not just about the trees and the animals. Nope.
There’s the complimentary mulled wine and mince-pies too.
A steaming cup of sweetly spiced booze, plus a warm pastry treat is always going to make me feel Christmassy.
Even on such a grey, windy day as it was on Saturday. No amount of cold, inclement weather is able to dampen my spirits when we’re at the Christmas tree farm
Finally, there is a little shop bursting with decorations and wreaths, sparkling and shimmering with festive loveliness.
It’s like Aladdin’s cave. More Christmas goodies than you can shake a stick at. The boys were absolutely mesmerised!
Festive Goodies in the Barn at Welford Christmas Tree Farm
Am I selling it to you? ;)
To say I like the annual ‘getting the tree’ day out is a bit of an understatement. This is the highlight of my entire year. Never failing to delight and bring good cheer, this simple activity sets me up for the entire month.
For all the little traditions that we are creating, as a family, this is sure to be my favourite.
And as we drove away — with the little Christmas tree we’d chosen — securely fastened to the top of the car, my boy remarked on how much the Twinkles had enjoyed it and how, from here-on-in, this will be something that they look forward to too.
Such a lovely thought.
So in celebration of this little tradition, I’ve made a little film of our day out.
Editors Note: I wrote this post back in 2015 and since then, Welford Christmas Tree Farm has grown! These days they have a Santas’s Grotto, a Tipi Cafe and even wreath decorating workshops! It’s well worth the visit if you’re looking for a festive day out in the East midlands.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
This place looks brilliant, I just googled it and it’s an hour from us so a bit far. Otherwise we would definitely gone there! I could never have a fake tree, it has to be real in my house. We are getting outs from a pick your own farm tomorrow and I’m so excited! Xx
Aaah Becky — such a shame it’s a little too far. It’s really, really worth it!! It makes getting the tree extra special to have the animals — and all the other extra bits and pieces — there!
I hope you enjoyed your day out too and got a lovely tree! xx :)
How exciting your enthusiasm is infectious! I love these photo’s – it looks like an amazing place to get a tree! Hurrah for Xmas! :) xxx
Aaah it’s SUCH a fun day out — I totally love the build up to Christmas!! :)
Oh I love this what a great family tradition. I said next year I want to visit a farm like this. I love it. Great video too hunny. I am so bad at filming days out but really want to do more in the coming year just need to practice a bit more. lol So festive. I love the build up to Christmas so much too. Very magical!! Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me. I hope to see you again tomorrow for another great round. Please note it’s the very last SWM for 2015 and a special edition, year in review so you can link up your favorite four post from this year if you would like and I will return in the New Year ready to read all your amazing blog posts again. #sharewithme
YAY!! I found your comment in the spam!! Not sure why it was chucking you in there — but thanks for the lovely message :) Will definitely come and link up with you!! Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas honey xx
This sounds like a truly magical day out!!One the little ones will always remember I bet!!I’m giving my artificial tree dirty looks now !!!
I hope it’s something they’ll look forward to each year, just as I do :) Aah bless you lovely — go and give your artificial tree a hug!!! ;) xx