A Truly Family Christmas

With the harvest in, the farming Hodges at Steeple Claydon are gearing up to greet us in the festive season.

- Sandra Smith 

THE countdown to Christmas has started so dare I ask how much progress you’ve made? Let me guess; you’re putting off the annual loft rummage for fairy lights and baubles? Yep, thought so. What about this year’s cards – still debating between snowy country scenes or iconic city images? Me too. And are we all dithering over where on earth we stored last December’s left over wrapping paper?

Don’t worry, just because our organisational skills are being tested is no reason to miss out on a visit to a rustic venue bursting with festive merriment. In fact, it might be the perfect place to pick up some essentials. In case you’re in any doubt, here’s a flavour: a log cabin overflowing with seasonal gifts, Rudolph’s Retreat café, the fragrant scent of pine needles and some of the most famous reindeer on the planet.

Tempted? I knew you would be. So come with me, and bring your families, to Claydon Christmas Tree Farm, a treat guaranteed to fill everyone with the magic of this special time of year. Harvests may be in, but here more hard work is underway.

“Dasher has always been leader of the herd,” creator of Steeple Claydon’s Christmas extravaganza, Ingrid Hodges, enthuses as we head toward a corner of a barn where reindeer are tethered with festive red harnesses. “He’s eight years old now and I completely trust him. Dancer is my female, then we have Comet, Cupid and Vixen.”

Their antlers (from which you can gauge age) are covered in a velvet-like fur which I’d love to touch. But these gentle animals, although unfazed by humans and blessed with a curiosity to know what’s going on, aren’t keen on being stroked.