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.
Great pictures and post, we are the same. I grew up with a artificial tree which was great, but a few years ago we got a real tree and honestly I don’t think I could go back! I love it and like you, me and my little family love going to choose it! Although they never look that big until you try to get them in your home!
Looks like you had a lovely day. xx
Haha!! We did too! Until my Aunt and Uncle started selling Christmas trees on their farm and then we started to have a real one. I think I was about 12 the first time!
The difference is staggering — they smell amazing don’t they? No fake tree could ever have that gorgeous Christmassy scent!
I love the build up to Christmas too! I’m very undecided on the tree debate! Currently we can’t practically have a real tree so no decision to make. But in general there are things I like on both fronts. I agree that picking out the tree is a lovely experience. But I don’t like the mess and the fact that they start to look worse for wear! Real trees have the nice smell. In terms of look I think it actually depends. Nice real trees do look lovely, but sometimes real trees can be a bit hit and miss, and the fact that they are often uneven does bother the obsessive compulsive in me! Good quality fake trees can be lovely, but others can be a bit sparse and unrealistic. Still, any tree will look pretty good if nicely decorated! #abitofeverything
Aaah it’s just fab isn’t it? Everyone’s so happy and there’s a real buzz in the atmosphere! Re the mess etc — Christmas trees are just like cut flowers — they need water to keep looking good. We always buy a Nordman Fir — which is non-drop — and we have a Christmas tree stand that you fill with water and top up when it begins to get low. If you remember to top up the water — and don’t let the tree dry out — it will last and last and Nordmans barely drop any needles at all :)
The only negative I can see is that they’re costly in comparison to a fake tree — although it’s worth it just for the lovely day out when you go and choose one!! :)