‘The publicity might encourage more businesses to get involved,’ she agrees. ‘People are already talking about it, and there’s a real buzz in the air that Peppermint Branches is reopening. It was here for a long time and so many people made it a Christmas tradition to come up with their families and choose their Christmas tree. Even us Roscoes when Noel’s father was still alive, and dear Mr Evergreene always let us have the first choice before the farm opened in December. It will be lovely to see it running again.’

‘Noel talks about how magical it used to be a lot. I only hope I can recreate that.’

‘I think you’re on the right track.’ She nods towards the wreath. ‘And I’d be happy to help when you open. I don’t get out much these days and Noel’s always telling me I need more fresh air. I’ve seen you two cleaning and painting the caravan, and he’s told me about the hot chocolate and the chestnuts, and I was thinking maybe I could serve for you, and have a little sideline in my pumpkin jams and marmalades. I’ve always got so many pumpkins to make use of, and it would be wonderful to have an extra opportunity to sell some of my goodies, and I make an excellent hot chocolate if I do say so myself.’

The caravan is now painted with enamel paint I found in the barn, a festive shade of red, and so are my hands, my face, a vast majority of my clothes, half of Gizmo who came to ‘help’, and a bit of the grass outside that escaped the tarpaulin we’d put down to cover it. There’s fake snow draped across the roof, and inside there are twinkly lights around the window, and the broken glass has been removed and replaced with a serving hatch shutter. I’d been wondering whether to hire someone to run it, but time is short, and I can’t justify employing yet another person when I can probably manage it myself between tree customers.

‘I could also make little goodies for your own sales,’ Glenna says like I need further persuasion. ‘Peppermint bark in the shape of trees and some candycane sugar cookies would go down a treat with hot chocolate.’

‘That would be amazing. Noel’s always saying he wishes he could extend pumpkin season, and I’ve been trying to figure out a way we could join forces and help each other out. He’s helped me so much, so if the tree farm being open can help you guys out in any way, let me know. And you’d be doing me a huge favour too. The seasonal workers are still going to be here, so I was just going to put whoever isn’t busy with customers in charge of it.’