“This is always exciting, the tree is spectacular ... visits with elves and Santa, and a strolling a cappella quartet in Victorian costume singing Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs.

Pins, magnets, wigs, flags, masks, hats, suitcases — even Christmas trees, lights and all sorts of Santa dolls.

Santa’s No 1 Elf Andrew among the thousands of Christmas trees he and partner Deirdre have on their Puketona farm in the Far North. For the rest of us it’s only 274 sleeps until Christmas ...