‘The trick is always to work in the same direction around the wreath so it becomes a habit,’ Glenna says when she sees the face I make because it’s taken me far too long. ‘Pretty soon you’ll be able to do it with your eyes shut. Lots of tree farmers find things like wreaths and garlands are actually more profitable than the trees themselves, because it doesn’t take much time to make them, and you’re using the bits you’ve already cut from around the farm anyway. It’s a great sideline, and displaying them along the fence is bound to attract people driving past with their kids. Lots of Noel’s trade comes from people driving by with little kids in the car and their faces light up at the sight of all those pumpkins and they beg their parents to go in because it’s such a magical sight.’

I make a bow from Glenna’s ribbon, tie three bells together and wire them all onto the bottom of the wreath.

‘See, you’ve got a knack for this. It must be very different from your last job?’

‘Yeah, but that’s not a bad thing. I love doing creative things like this. Before I was sitting at a desk all day, staring at the wall. Being outside all the time makes me feel like I’m living again for the first time in years. My old job was something I left behind at five o’clock every night, so it’s a bit daunting when I think about the next few years and how much work and responsibility this is. There’s so much to keep track of. Collecting seeds from the pinecones in the autumn, sowing them in the spring, and growing them until they’re big enough to be planted out. Preparing the fields, tree fertiliser, weed killer, and nothing’s been planted for four years, so in a few years’ time, there’s going to be a shortage. I know Noel’s looking after some saplings for me, but who knows if it’ll be enough.’ I cut myself off there, suddenly aware that I’m rambling. I’ve tried to appear bright and breezy whenever anyone asks how things are going, but inside, I am scared that I haven’t got the knowledge to pull this off. Christmas tree farming is a lot more complicated than I thought it was. I didn’t intend to tell Glenna any of that, but she’s such a warm and friendly motherly figure. She reminds me of my own mum, and it’s easy to be open with her in a way I wouldn’t with anyone else.