To say we love this time of year is an understatement, and as the festive season approaches, homes across the country begin to sparkle with traditions that bring warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging. What’s not to love? This year we seem to have been inundated with questions from Freddie and Honor on why we have traditions, which got us looking into the most beloved Christmas customs that make our properties feel truly special.

For us, as estate agents, these traditions aren’t just charming—they’re a reminder of how houses, like our own, transform into homes at this time of year, ready to be filled with memories and meaning. Some traditions can really add festive charm and appeal to your property, especially if you are conducting viewings this month. Here are our favourite traditions that we have tried, many of which have stuck and become firm favourites in the Porter household.

Wreaths on Doors

We love seeing the different wreaths on doors around our village whilst walking Maggie. It is the first sign of Christmas and traditionally symbolise eternal life and hospitality. From a work point of view, wreaths create a warm welcome, perfect for adding to a property’s curb appeal during cold or wet winter viewings.

Christmas Trees

We love a real Christmas tree in the Porter house and this year our gorgeous tree came from Aylings Garden Centre; it’s perfect. In the past we have gone to do a ‘pick your own’ Christmas tree at Wylds Farm, taking a tractor and trailer ride to choose our own tree; so much fun especially when you have little ones.

Whether yours is real or not, the Christmas tree is always the centrepiece of festive décor and reflects a household’s personality. For buyers, seeing a tree in situ helps them imagine their own celebrations in the space.

Did you know? (Taken from The British Christmas Tree Growers Association)

• 6-8 Million Christmas trees are sold annually in the UK.
• The first use of the term ‘Christmas tree’ in English appeared in 1835.
• The most famous UK Christmas tree is in London’s Trafalgar Square; which has been a gift from Norway since 1947.
• Brits love the smell of Christmas trees; in 2004, we voted them the eighth best smell, just behind the sea but ahead of perfume!

Build a Gingerbread House

Let's be honest - half the fun is in the decorating (and the other half is in the eating!). Gather your favourite sweets, whip up some icing, and let your creativity run wild. Wonky walls add character, so just go for it. Otherwise, if baking’s not your thing or you simply don’t have time, there are some excellent pre-baked sets that you can get from most major supermarkets, when it just leaves the best bit of building and decorating. It’s a great children’s activity for the holidays and a firm favourite with us.

A Festive Scent

Is there anything better than walking into a home and smelling the heady scent of baking?  Whether it's simmering oranges and cinnamon on the stove, or placing pine-scented candles around the house, festive scents really help create that Christmas atmosphere and add to a potential buyer, or guest’s enjoyment to their visit.

Christmas Film Night

This is a big one for us. We love getting together at the weekend with cosy blankets and watching a heart-warming festive flick, not forgetting the all-important popcorn. It’s a busy time of year so there’s nothing better than to hunker down together with loved ones and boost your wellbeing with a Christmas classic.

Christmas traditions remind us that a home is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a place where memories are made and shared with loved ones.

For us, weaving these festive touches into property marketing, not only captures the spirit of the season but also helps potential buyers picture their own future celebrations and the lifestyles they could lead in the homes we show them.

If you’d like to arrange a free valuation for your home or simply browse our latest properties on the market, click on the links, or do give us a call for an informal chat about your needs on 01730 779844, or drop us a message at hello@porterestateagents.com