Christmas at Wyke Manor 2021

Inspired by nature

Mistletoe is famous as a good luck kissing plant! We are lucky to have lots of old orchards across the Wyke Manor Estate. And many of these beautiful apple and pear trees are all full of mistletoe! Worcestershire is one of the few places in the UK where this festive plant is in abundance. Why not send some love to a special friend or to family that you can’t meet up with this Christmas? They can hang the sprig or mistletoe above the doorway and claim a kiss from anyone stood underneath it. Mistletoe also symbolises good luck and can be left hanging in the home to protect your loved one throughout the coming year.

And we just couldn’t resist the idea of a bright and beautiful holly hug! The alliteration was just too good… We are nurturing a new holly plantation on the farm. Holly’s shiny leaves and red berries are a cheerful Christmas decoration you can send to a loved one to brighten their home. Evergreen holly helps remind us that life flourishes even in the difficulties of midwinter. It is a wonderful symbol of hope and strength in these strange times. Our Holly Hugs should also ward off any mischievous spirits! The prickles are said to catch any bad luck.

Holly and Ivy is a pairing made famous by the jolly Christmas carol. Ivy grows up and over other plants, becoming intertwined with them. That is to say, it needs support as it grows. Therefore, this gift is a lovely way to symbolise your support of a loved one. Also, Ancient Celts brought evergreens indoors to provide a haven for woodland spirits through the winter months. Certainly, ivy is thought to ward off misfortune and bring protection and luck.