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‘A peaceful Christmas,’ says Luke.

‘With people you care about,’ I say.

And for a moment, we all fall into a comfortable lull.

‘Well, I’ll make a start on the pathways through the forest, get them clear so that people can walk around. Make it really accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, too. And people might like to take photos of themselves with the trees,’ says Horse. ‘No need for photo booths here when you’ve got these trees as a backdrop.’

‘Absolutely,’ I say.

‘I could clear out the barn, and we could use that to sell cut trees in,’ says Luke. ‘For those who don’t have time to browse.’

‘Good point.’ I nod. ‘Not everyone has time to spend going through the forest. Some just want to buy a tree and go. But of course, we want them to stay and enjoy the farm, the fresh air, an escape from the pressure of Christmas. It should be a happy time. Something to remember.’

‘What about a pets area for the children?’ says Lara. ‘That could be a lovely way to spend some time together. Or even a living Nativity scene! With the animals!’

I laugh.

‘Why not? But we’d need more than three ducks and Gloria.’

‘And the puppies,’ says Will, smiling.

‘If we’re going to compete against Christmas Tree World,’ I say, ‘we’re going to have to offer the same sort of thing as they do. I think it would be good to have performers. Some sort of singers, or musicians, as you were saying, Horse. Paddy and I had carol singers in the year before we closed. That was nice.’

‘Perhaps we could contact the local drama group?’ says Lara. ‘See if they know any young people who’d like to take part?’

‘Great idea!’ I say.

I look at Horse.

‘How would you feel about being Father Christmas?’

He laughs and shakes his head. ‘Not for me. I’ll stick to cutting down trees.’

‘Fair enough.’ I smile. ‘I’ll do the signs. Refresh the old ones and make new ones.’

Will is quiet.

‘Will, are you okay?’

He sighs. ‘I don’t have a job.’

‘I know what you can do. You can name the trees. Tell people about their personalities and why they’re called what they are,’ I suggest. ‘Paddy used to love doing that. It was his favourite part of opening the farm to the public.’

‘Yes!!!’ he says, fist pumping again. ‘I’ve got a really good memory for names.’

‘Okay, well, I’m going to start on the pathways first thing in the morning, clear the brambles and long branches. Get some mulch made to put on the ground,’ says Horse.

‘And we’ll need to light the pathways for when dusk comes,’ I say. ‘There’s a generator in the barn, and the lights we used to use. Paddy always took good care of that sort of thing – I’m sure they should still be in working order.’

‘I’ll start on the barn first thing, start getting it sorted,’ says Luke. ‘If I can be Scarlett’s sidekick for her TikToks, I’m sure I can clear a barn and find lights and put them up.’

I look at him apologetically. ‘It’s a big job. I meant to start, but . . .’

‘It’s okay. I like clearing out,’ he says kindly.

‘Are you sure? I meant to do it . . . so it’s done for the move.’

‘I’ll go through it all, keep anything that looks important.’ He gives me a cheeky wink.