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Christmas Tree Farm

Christmas Single | 2019

“Christmas Tree Farm” is an original Holiday song written by Taylor. It was released as a stand-alone single on December 6, 2019, by Republic Records. Taylor co-produced the track with Jimmy Napes in London. She reminisces about her magical childhood on a Christmas tree farm; a place of joy, family, and community.

Background and Release

“Christmas Tree Farm” is Taylor’s first Christmas-themed music since her EP, The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection, which was released back in October 2007. In a video published on her social media platforms, she revealed that the song was written on the weekend before its release.

Taylor wrote the song during Thanksgiving weekend, December 1, 2019, the Sunday before its release, then recorded it the next day with Jimmy Napes. The following day, a group of choral singers provided the finishing touches. The song was then announced on Good Morning America on December 5, 2019, and released at midnight the next day, along with an accompanying music video made from home videos.

Lyrical Theme

It is not a secret that Christmas tree farms played a significant role in Taylor’s life. The holiday song is inspired by her childhood growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania and was written while celebrating with family over the holidays in December 2019. After the song was released, Taylor joked on social media, telling her newer fans at the time:

«I actually did grow up on a Christmas tree farm. In a gingerbread house, deep within the yummy gummy gumdrop forest. Where, funnily enough, this song is their national anthem.»

Taylor Swift

The lyrics describe a place of joy, family, and community, and show how Taylor cherishes the memories she has from her time there. While she misses it, she has found that same love and security in her partner and is grateful for their relationship.

Music Video

The song’s music video is a compilation of home videos that capture Taylor’s childhood days from the Christmas tree farm she grew up on; the video features herself, her brother Austin Swift, and her parents Andrea and Scott Swift.

Live Performances

Taylor performed the song for the first time on December 8, 2019, as part of her setlist for the 2019 “Jingle Bell Ball” in London. On December 13, her birthday, she performed the song at iHeartRadio Z100‘s “Jingle Ball” in New York City. This performance was recorded and released digitally on December 19, 2020.

Critical Reception

“Christmas Tree Farm” received positive reviews upon release. Variety‘s Chris Willman labelled the song as “homey and hearth-y” with a production “lushly orchestrated for maximum holiday glee”. Alyssa Bailey of Elle described the song as an “infectious and personal pop holiday track” with lyrics that are “personal, jolly and romantic”. Writing for Elite Daily, Michel Mendez complimented Taylor’s songwriting, stating “Swift is one heck of a songwriter” and that the lyrics to this song “will make anyone feel nostalgic for holidays spent at home with family”.

Commercial Performance

During the week ending December 21, 2019, “Christmas Tree Farm” debuted and peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also debuted in the charts of several territories, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Hungary, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Scotland.

Old Timey Version

On November 22, 2021, Taylor released a re-recorded version of “Christmas Tree Farm,” called the “Old Timey Version” exclusively on Amazon Music. The new version was recorded at London’s famous Abby Road studio an is reimagined with a 70-piece orchestra:

«This version is amazing because it feels like that more sorta laid back Christmas feel of doing all your shopping and relaxing by a fire, and it's definitely that old school Christmas feel.»

Taylor Swift

One year later, on November 23, 2022, “Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)” was released on all streaming services.

Lyrics

Official Lyrics

Old Timey Version

Official Lyrics

Old Timey Version

Artist	Taylor Swift
Released	December 6, 2019
Re-Released	November 22, 2021
Written	December 2-3, 2019
Studio	London Lane (London) Abbey Road (London)
Genre	Christmas
Length	3:48 (Standard Version) 3:52 (Old Timey Version)
Label	Republic Records
Songwriter	Taylor Swift
Producers	Jimmy Napes Taylor Swift