We're now well and truly on the runway to Christmas – meaning, for many of us, that the process of decorating the house is firmly underway.
In 2020 of all years, we're all in need of some festive-themed positivity, and decking the house out with lights, baubles and tinsel is the perfect antidote to the grimness of lockdown.
At the centre of our decorative efforts, of course, is the Christmas tree.
Whether you swear by a real tree or opt for a fake one, Christmas lives and dies by the quality of the conifer in the sitting room.
In a pandemic, the process of sourcing one is slightly less straightforward than it normally would be.
Never fear, though – we've put together a list of Christmas tree merchants around the country that are still operating despite the pandemic.
We'll also list some of the places where you can pick up a falsie, if that's your bag.
Real Trees
Cork Christmas Trees
This Cork-based outlet has increased the size of its space in order to adhere to social distancing regulations, so you can pick up a tree safe in the knowledge that the process is Covid-19 compliant.
From Saturday, you'll be able to visit one of the locations offered by the tree-sellers, or avail of delivery or click and collect if you'd prefer.
They have a shop in Cork's Docklands, as well as a farm out of town where you can "make a day of it" and pick up a tree in the process.
Irish Christmas Trees
Advertising itself as Ireland's "premier Christmas tree outlet", Irish Christmas Trees clearly has pedigree when it comes to festive firs.
Because of the pandemic, Irish Christmas Trees isn't opening its actual outlet – in Milltown, Dublin – until the end of November. But from tomorrow, you can order a tree via click and collect from tomorrow.
You can choose the height of your tree, and the date on which you want to pick it up, online.
Then, all you have to do is make your way to Milltown to collect it. They'll even help you load the tree into your car.
Kildare Christmas Trees
Kildare Christmas Trees are making a compelling argument ahead of this year's festive period – pointing out that we're facing a more traditional Christmas in general, so a real tree might be the way to go.
"One way to help us to celebrate Christmas in a traditional manner is to have a real Christmas tree," the outlet says on its website.
And they're certainly making it easy to pick up a real tree, offering delivery to your doorstep as well as the option of collection from the farm near Naas.
Newlands Garden Centre
Newlands in Clondalkin are offering real trees galore ahead of December – you can pre-order them online and pick them up or avail of delivery in early December.
Newlands trees are known for their neat shape, and were hand-picked for quality in October.
They also offer a whole range of Christmas decorations, so it's worth checking out the selection if you're in need of baubles or tinsel.
Fake Trees
Woodie's
The clue isn't exactly in the name when it comes to Christmas 2020 – it's plastic trees Woodie's are selling this festive season.
Nevertheless, have a look at the website to decide the tree you're after.
You can buy decorated or undecorated trees, so you're sure to find something that fits the bill.
Argos
Argos has a massive selection of fake Christmas trees – with petite offerings as well as huge 10-footers.
Take a look online to scout out the offerings.
