Christmas Tree Farm
{{short description|2019 single by Taylor Swift}}
{{About|the Taylor Swift song|farming of Christmas trees|Christmas tree cultivation}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Christmas Tree Farm
| type = single
| cover = Taylor Swift - Christmas Tree Farm.png
| alt = A young Taylor Swift on a snow covered farm, holding a white dog in her hands.
| artist = Taylor Swift
| written = December 1, 2019
| recorded = December 2–3, 2019
| released = {{start date|2019|12|6}}
| studio = London Lane (London)
| genre = {{hlist|Christmas|pop}}
| length = 3:47
| label = Republic
| writer = Taylor Swift
| producer = {{hlist|Taylor Swift|Jimmy Napes}}
| prev_title = Lover
| prev_year = 2019
| next_title = The Man
| next_year = 2020
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|mN3rDTAdM2o|"Christmas Tree Farm"}}}}
}}
"Christmas Tree Farm" is a Christmas song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. She wrote it on December 1, 2019, inspired by her affection for the holiday season, and produced it with Jimmy Napes. Republic Records released the track as a single on December 6 of that year. Opening with a 1950s-inspired jazzy intro, "Christmas Tree Farm" is a pop song driven by an upbeat arrangement, orchestral treatment, and jingle bells. The lyrics are about Swift's childhood memories of Christmas.
Music critics have praised "Christmas Tree Farm" as catchy and its lyricism as nostalgia-inducing; they have retrospectively listed it as one of the best Christmas songs. It reached number 91 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and the top 30 on the national charts of Croatia, Flanders, Hungary, and Scotland. The track received gold certifications in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Swift directed the music video for "Christmas Tree Farm", which features childhood home footage of her and her family. She performed the song live in 2019 at the Jingle Bell Ball in London and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in New York City; the live version from the latter was released digitally in December{{nbsp}}2020. An "Old Timey Version" of the track, in which the orchestral accompaniment is more emphasized along with elements of swing music, was released to digital music platforms in November{{nbsp}}2022.
Background and release
Having grown up in Pine Ridge Farm, a Christmas tree farm in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift expressed her love for the holiday season throughout her career and that she wishes "it was all year round". She stated that she helped her dad manage the farm during her childhood and that the environment influenced her affection for the season.{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=December 6, 2019 |title=5 Times Taylor Swift Opened Up About Growing Up on a Christmas Tree Farm |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/christmas-tree-farm-taylor-swift-quotes-growing-up-8545619/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703031844/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/christmas-tree-farm-taylor-swift-quotes-growing-up-8545619/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=November 26, 2024 |title=Billboard{{'s}} Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century: No. 2 — Taylor Swift |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-greatest-pop-stars-21st-century-1235839222/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202153737/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-greatest-pop-stars-21st-century-1235839222/ |url-status=live }} She released her first Christmas record, The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection, on October 14, 2007, which includes four cover versions of Christmas classics and two original tracks co-written by Swift. The record peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart and number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.{{Cite magazine |last=Strecker |first=Erin |date=December 25, 2014 |title=Throwback Thursday: Remember Taylor Swift's 2007 Christmas Album? |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-album-throwback-6415059/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226151525/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-album-throwback-6415059/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=November 4, 2014 |title=Taylor Swift's Career Timeline: From 'Tim McGraw' to 1989 |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/taylor-swift-career-timeline-photo-gallery/5-oct-14-2007/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227141800/https://www.billboard.com/photos/taylor-swift-career-timeline-photo-gallery/5-oct-14-2007/ |archive-date=December 27, 2024 }}
Swift wrote, recorded, and released "Christmas Tree Farm" in under six days.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-922584/|title=Watch Taylor Swift's Childhood Videos in 'Christmas Tree Farm' Clip|last1=Shaffer|first1=Claire|last2=Legaspi|first2=Althea|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 6, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2019|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208125420/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-922584/|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} She wrote the song on piano on December 1, 2019, and recorded her vocals the following day. On December 3, a group of choral singers provided background vocals.{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-video-christmas-tree-farm-1203426957/|title=Taylor Swift's 'Christmas Tree Farm' Video Is a VHS Wonderland|last=Willman|first=Chris|magazine=Variety|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206074452/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-video-christmas-tree-farm-1203426957/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swift-craft-christmas-tree-farm-in-behind-the-scenes-video-930754/|title=Watch Taylor Swift Craft 'Christmas Tree Farm' in Behind-the-Scenes Video|last=Blistein|first=Jon|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 23, 2019|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=December 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225142952/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swift-craft-christmas-tree-farm-in-behind-the-scenes-video-930754/|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Swift announced the track on Good Morning America on December 5, before Republic Records released it as a single the following day.{{cite AV media notes|title=Christmas Tree Farm|last=Swift|first=Taylor|author-link=Taylor Swift|type=picture disc|publisher=Republic Records|id=B0033165-11}} A behind-the-scenes video that showcases the three-day creation process of "Christmas Tree Farm" was released on December 23, 2019.
Republic Records released a live recording at iHeartRadio's 2019 Jingle Ball for digital download and streaming on December 19, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Brizzell |first=Molly |date=December 12, 2024 |title=8 Songs Taylor Swift Never Played on the Eras Tour |url=https://screenrant.com/taylor-swift-eras-tour-songs-never-played-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214061754/https://screenrant.com/taylor-swift-eras-tour-songs-never-played-list/ |archive-date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=February 22, 2025 |website=Screen Rant}} On November 22, 2021, Swift announced an "Old Timey Version" of the track on Good Morning America, released on the same day as an Amazon Music exclusive.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Taylor Swift Shares 'Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)': Stream |url=https://consequence.net/2021/11/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-old-timey-version-stream/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Consequence |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206032837/https://consequence.net/2021/11/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-old-timey-version-stream/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/taylor-swift-re-records-christmas-tree-farm-with-70-piece-orchestra |title=Taylor Swift Re-Records 'Christmas Tree Farm' with 70-Piece Orchestra |date=November 22, 2021 |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=December 12, 2024 |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123141804/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/taylor-swift-re-records-christmas-tree-farm-with-70-piece-orchestra |url-status=live }} A behind-the-scenes video featuring the process of making the new version accompanied its release. The track was released to digital music platforms on November 23, 2022. A collection containing the original, new, and live versions was released in November{{nbsp}}2024.{{cite news |url=https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/taylor-swift-releases-special-christmas-tree-farm-holiday-collection |title=Taylor Swift Releases Special 'Christmas Tree Farm' Holiday Collection |date=November 1, 2024 |access-date=November 13, 2024 |last=Thompson |first=Mary Pat |publisher=ABC Audio |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207090644/https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/taylor-swift-releases-special-christmas-tree-farm-holiday-collection |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Vaishnavi |first=Arya |date=November 2, 2024 |title='HoliTAY Spirit': Taylor Swift Re-Releases Christmas Tree Farm Collection Just After Halloween |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/holitay-spirit-taylor-swift-re-releases-christmas-tree-farm-collection-just-after-halloween-101730484265052.html |access-date=February 22, 2025 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206202923/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/holitay-spirit-taylor-swift-re-releases-christmas-tree-farm-collection-just-after-halloween-101730484265052.html |url-status=live }}
Production and composition
Swift produced "Christmas Tree Farm" with Jimmy Napes, who provided background vocals and played piano. Gus Pirelli played Moog bass and recorded the track at London Lane Studios in the United Kingdom, assisted by Jamie McEvoy, Joseph Wander, and Will Purton. Serban Ghenea provided audio mixing, with John Hanes serving as the mixing engineer. Simon Hale conducted the string arrangement and Lawrence Johnson worked as the vocal arranger. Musicians who played instruments for "Christmas Tree Farm" include Bruce White (viola), Jodi Milliner (bass guitar), Ian Burdge (cello), Chris Laurence (double bass), and Ash Soan (drums); John Thurgood, Laurence Davies, and Martin Owen played French horn. Several singers provided choral background vocals, including Candice-Mimi Otohwo, Destinee Knight-Scott, Glenn Tatenda Gwazai, Jessica Mae Obioha, Lorrain Briscoe, Margeaux Michelle, Paul Lee, Tarna Renae Johnson, Tehillah Daniel, The LJ Singers, Travis J Cole, Wayne Hernandez, and Wendi Rose.
{{listen
| filename = Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift.ogg
| pos = left
| title = "Christmas Tree Farm"
| description = "Christmas Tree Farm" begins with a jazzy intro and transitions into a pop song that features an upbeat arrangement and jingle bell percussion. Critics viewed it as a return to Swift's country music roots.
}}
"Christmas Tree Farm" is 3 minutes and 47 seconds long.{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Christmas Tree Farm – Single |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-tree-farm-single/1490369893 |publisher=Apple Music (US) |access-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921144648/https://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-tree-farm-single/1490369893 |url-status=live }} It is a Christmas-themed pop song and a sentimental ballad that features an upbeat arrangement, an uptempo rhythm, and 1960s music influences.{{efn|Attributed to Consequence{{'s}} Abby Jones, The Tennessean{{'s}} Matthew Leimkuehler,{{cite web |last=Leimkuehler |first=Matthew |title=Taylor Swift 'Christmas Tree Farm': New Holiday Jam and Video Dropped Late Thursday |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/2019/12/06/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-lyrics-music-video-home-video-new-holiday-music/2624189001/ |website=The Tennessean |access-date=December 7, 2024 |date=December 6, 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=January 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250120182623/https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/2019/12/06/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-lyrics-music-video-home-video-new-holiday-music/2624189001/ |url-status=live }} People{{'s}} Andrea Wurzburger,{{Cite magazine |last=Wurzburger |first=Andrea |date=December 4, 2023 |title=35 Modern Christmas Songs That'll Make Your Holiday Playlist Extra Festive |url=https://people.com/music/modern-christmas-songs/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |magazine=People |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108221300/https://people.com/music/modern-christmas-songs/ |url-status=live }} and Billboard{{'s}} Glenn Rowley.{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Festive Friday: Hear New Holiday Music from Taylor Swift, Blink-182, Keith Urban and More |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/lifestyle/taylor-swift-blink-182-new-holiday-songs-8545630/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129004023/https://www.billboard.com/culture/lifestyle/taylor-swift-blink-182-new-holiday-songs-8545630/ |url-status=live }}}} It begins with a jazzy intro showcasing 1950s-inspired strings, which was compared to the music of Nat King Cole and Karen Carpenter by The A.V. Club{{'s}} Gwen Ihnat.{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Bring On the Bells: 18 Great Christmas Songs from the Past Decade |url=https://www.avclub.com/bring-on-the-bells-18-great-christmas-songs-from-the-p-1845822629 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=The A.V. Club |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120030533/https://www.avclub.com/bring-on-the-bells-18-great-christmas-songs-from-the-p-1845822629 |url-status=live }} The song then transitions into the main upbeat pop part that features jingle bell percussion; Critics stated that it evokes the music of Mariah Carey and Phil Spector.{{cite news |first1=Jon |last1=Pareles |author-link1=Jon Pareles |first2=Jon |last2=Caramanica |first3=Giovanni |last3=Russonello |date=December 20, 2019 |title=The Playlist: Taylor Swift's Nostalgic Tune, and 12 More Holiday Songs |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/20/arts/music/playlist-taylor-swift-holiday-songs.html |url-access=limited |access-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129174518/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/20/arts/music/playlist-taylor-swift-holiday-songs.html |url-status=live }} Parade{{'s}} Jessica Sager likened the composition of "Christmas Tree Farm" to music on Spector's album A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector (1963). Ihnat and NME{{'s}} Hannah Mylrea considered it a return to Swift's country music roots.{{cite magazine |last=Ihnat |first=Gwen |date=November 6, 2023 |title=The Best Christmas Songs for Your Holiday Season Playlist |url=https://ew.com/music/best-christmas-songs-holiday-playlist/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=November 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123011135/https://ew.com/music/best-christmas-songs-holiday-playlist/ |url-status=live }} Featuring a new arrangement and a 70-piece orchestra,{{cite web |date=November 26, 2021 |title=Get Ready for Christmas with a New Version of Taylor Swift's Christmas Tree Farm |url=https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/get-ready-for-christmas-with-a-new-version-of-taylor-swifts-christmas-tree-farm-3083 |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Abbey Road Studios |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229133144/https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/get-ready-for-christmas-with-a-new-version-of-taylor-swifts-christmas-tree-farm-3083 |archive-date=December 29, 2024 }} the "Old Timey Version" incorporates horns, strings, and muted jingle bells along with elements of swing music.{{Cite magazine |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Listen to Taylor Swifts New 'Old Timey Version' of 'Christmas Tree Farm' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-taylor-swifts-new-old-timey-version-of-christmas-tree-farm-3101992 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |magazine=NME |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130063329/https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-taylor-swifts-new-old-timey-version-of-christmas-tree-farm-3101992 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Taylor Swift Unveils 'Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)' for Amazon Music: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-old-timey-version-amazon-music-1235001314/ |access-date=December 10, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123183543/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-old-timey-version-amazon-music-1235001314/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Rebekah |date=November 23, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Officially Releases 'Old Timey Version' of This Holiday Track |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-11-23-taylor-swift-officially-releases-old-timey-version-of-this-holiday-track/ |access-date=December 10, 2024 |publisher=iHeartRadio |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126131116/https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-11-23-taylor-swift-officially-releases-old-timey-version-of-this-holiday-track/ |url-status=live }}
The lyrics recall Swift's nostalgic childhood memories from an adult perspective.{{Cite web |last=Pometsey |first=Olive |date=December 16, 2019 |title=The Best New Christmas Songs of 2019 |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-christmas-songs-2019 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |website=British GQ |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927034031/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-christmas-songs-2019 |url-status=live }} In the intro, she expresses her stress amid the chaotic nature of the holiday season, before she closes her eyes and envisions being in a different place.{{Cite news |last=Chesters |first=Crystal |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift 'Christmas Tree Farm': Lyrics, the Video and Everything Else About the New Song Explained |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-lyrics-video-new-song-371833 |url-access=limited |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=i |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211134134/https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-lyrics-video-new-song-371833 |url-status=live }} She wishes to visit the Christmas tree farm in her heart and depicts a fanciful scene: "In my heart is a Christmas tree farm/ Where the people would come/ To dance under sparkling lights/ Bundled up in their mittens and coats/ And the cider would flow/ And I just wanna be there tonight."{{cite web |last=Stone |first=Megan |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Releases New Christmas Song with Sentimental Home Video |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/watch-taylor-swift-grow-sentimental-holiday-music-video-67537977 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |website=Good Morning America |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530170242/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/watch-taylor-swift-grow-sentimental-holiday-music-video-67537977 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Lupica |first=Lilith Hardie |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Just Gifted the World with a Romantic Christmas Song |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-song |access-date=December 7, 2024 |magazine=British Vogue |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920151706/https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-song |url-status=live }} Swift sings in the hook to her lover, "Everything is icy and blue/ And you would be there too", before admitting in the refrain, "Just being in your arms/ Takes me back to that little farm/ Where every wish comes true."
Critical reception
Music critics believed that "Christmas Tree Farm" succeeded in the context of using the holiday season to reflect Swift's childhood memories, and lauded the youthful and nostalgic feel of the song.{{Cite magazine|last=McNeal|first=Bria|date=November 4, 2024|title=The 65 Best Christmas Songs of All Time|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a50968/best-christmas-songs/|url-status=live|access-date=December 6, 2024|magazine=Esquire|archive-date=December 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215144428/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a50968/best-christmas-songs/}} Paste{{'s}} Jane Song dubbed it "twinkly, fresh and happy", Esquire{{'s}} Bria McNeal described it as "dazzling", and Mylrea thought that it captured "everything that's great about a Christmas song"–an upbeat tune, a cozy feeling, and a soothing nature.{{Cite magazine |last=Mylrea |first=Hannah |date=December 17, 2019 |title=The Best (and Worst!) Brand-New-for-2019 Christmas Songs |url=https://www.nme.com/features/best-worst-christmas-songs-of-2019-2587957 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=NME |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220011903/https://www.nme.com/features/best-worst-christmas-songs-of-2019-2587957 |archive-date=December 20, 2019 }} Several music journalists praised "Christmas Tree Farm" as catchy and dubbed it an "earworm".{{Cite magazine |last=Zaleski |first=Annie |author-link=Annie Zaleski |date=December 14, 2019 |title=Here Are 20 New Holiday Music Releases to Bring Festive Cheer to Your Ears |url=https://www.salon.com/2019/12/14/holiday-music-songs-taylor-swift-diana-ross-keith-urban-ne-yo/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |magazine=Salon.com |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211133206/https://www.salon.com/2019/12/14/holiday-music-songs-taylor-swift-diana-ross-keith-urban-ne-yo/ |url-status=live }}
The production of "Christmas Tree Farm" was also a subject of praise by critics, who believed that its heavy orchestration resulted in "maximum holiday glee" and praised its "irrepressible" hook. American Songwriter{{'s}} Alex Hopper thought that best part of the song was the bridge and considered the track one of the five most underrated Christmas songs.{{Cite magazine |last=Hopper |first=Alex |date=December 24, 2022 |title=5 Underrated Christmas Songs You Should Be Listening to This Holiday Season |url=https://americansongwriter.com/5-underrated-christmas-songs-you-should-be-listening-to-this-holiday-season/ |access-date=December 24, 2022 |magazine=American Songwriter |archive-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224152405/https://americansongwriter.com/5-underrated-christmas-songs-you-should-be-listening-to-this-holiday-season/ |url-status=live }} "Christmas Tree Farm" appeared in rankings of Swift's discography by Song (72 out of 158),{{cite magazine |last=Song |first=Jane |date=February 11, 2020 |title=All 158 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/taylor-swift/best-taylor-swift-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413001443/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/taylor-swift/best-taylor-swift-songs/ |archive-date=April 13, 2020 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Paste}} Mylrea (84 out of 161),{{cite magazine |last=Mylrea |first=Hannah |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Every Taylor Swift Song Ranked in Order of Greatness |url=https://www.nme.com/features/every-taylor-swift-song-ranked-2740117 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204095432/https://www.nme.com/features/every-taylor-swift-song-ranked-2740117 |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=NME}} Vulture{{'s}} Nate Jones (185 out of 245),{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Nate |date=May 20, 2024 |title=All 245 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/all-taylor-swift-songs-ranked-from-worst-to-best.html |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=Vulture |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920043247/https://www.vulture.com/article/all-taylor-swift-songs-ranked-from-worst-to-best.html |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} and Rolling Stone{{'s}} Rob Sheffield (203 out of 274).{{Cite web |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Sheffield |date=April 25, 2024 |title=All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/taylor-swift-songs-ranked-rob-sheffield-201800/christmas-tree-farm-2019-924550/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027084445/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/taylor-swift-songs-ranked-rob-sheffield-201800/christmas-tree-farm-2019-924550/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |url-status=live }}
=Christmas rankings=
Several publications listed "Christmas Tree Farm" in their lists of the best Christmas songs. Billboard ranked it as the eighth best Christmas song of the 21st century, and The A.V. Club included it on its list of the 18 best Christmas songs of the 2010s decade. In 2019, British GQ and NME considered it one of the best newly released Christmas songs. Stylist named "Christmas Tree Farm" the fifth best Christmas song of all time, while Time Out picked it as the 14th best. The track was included in unranked lists by Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, and PinkNews.{{Cite news |last=Kelleher |first=Patrick |date=December 19, 2023 |title=The Definitive 13 Biggest, Campest and Best Christmas Songs from Our Favourite Big Pop Girls |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/12/19/big-pop-girls-christmas-songs/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |newspaper=PinkNews |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616193218/https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/12/19/big-pop-girls-christmas-songs/ |url-status=live }}
Commercial performance
"Christmas Tree Farm" debuted at number 147 on the Billboard Global 200 chart on the week ending January 2, 2021, before peaking at number 91 in January{{nbsp}}2025.{{Cite magazine|date=January 3, 2021|title=Billboard Global 200 (January 2, 2021)|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-global-200/2021-01-02|access-date=June 9, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117081559/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-global-200/2021-01-02/|url-status=live}} In the United States, it accumulated 7.7 million streams and sold 26,000 digital downloads in its opening week, debuting at number two on the Digital Songs chart dated December 12, 2019. The song marked Swift's 49th top-ten song on the chart, extending her all-time record.{{Cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=December 18, 2019|title=Taylor Swift Plants 'Christmas Tree Farm' on Hot 100 & Adult Contemporary Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/business/chart-beat/8546678/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-hot-100-adult-contemporary-charts|access-date=August 11, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218214550/https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/business/chart-beat/8546678/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-hot-100-adult-contemporary-charts|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} On the week ending December 14, 2019, it debuted at number 25 on the Adult Contemporary chart, before peaking at number three in its third week. The song debuted at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated December 21, 2019, becoming Swift's 96th entry on the chart. It reached number 19 on the Holiday 100 chart, number 40 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, and number 65 on the Rolling Stone Top 100 chart.
In the United Kingdom, "Christmas Tree Farm" debuted at number 71 in December{{nbsp}}2019,{{cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 (December 13, 2019) |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20191213/7501/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216011809/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/ |url-status=live }} before peaking at number 44 in December{{nbsp}}2021. It reached number 13 in Croatia, number 16 in Scotland, number 23 in Flanders, number 29 in Hungary, number 40 in Canada, number 49 in Australia, and number 51 in Ireland. "Christmas Tree Farm" was certified gold in Australia and the United Kingdom.
"Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)" reached number 98 on the Billboard Global 200 chart dated January 1, 2022. In the United States, it peaked at number 22 on the Adult Contemporary chart, number 46 on the Holiday 100 chart, and number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)" reached number 84 on the national chart of Sweden in the last week of 2023.
Music video
File:Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift (music video).png
Swift announced the self-directed music video for "Christmas Tree Farm" on her social media accounts on December 5, 2019.{{Cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Shares Family Memories Growing Up on a 'Christmas Tree Farm' in New Video: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-video-watch-8545576/ |access-date=December 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206104933/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-video-watch-8545576/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Rettig |first=James |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift – "Christmas Tree Farm" Video |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2067086/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-video/music/ |access-date=December 9, 2024 |website=Stereogum |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016231444/https://www.stereogum.com/2067086/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-video/music/ |url-status=live }} It aired on Good Morning America on the morning of the following day, and was released digitally along with a lyric video.{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=December 5, 2019 |title=Cancel All Your Holiday Plans, Taylor Swift Is About to Drop a New Christmas Song |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-song-8545470/ |access-date=December 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218080249/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-christmas-song-8545470/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Charu |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift's Music Video for 'Christmas Tree Farm' Marks the Arrival of Swiftmas |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/watch-taylor-swift-music-video-christmas-tree-farm-video.html |access-date=December 9, 2024 |website=Vulture |url-access=limited |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203040400/https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/watch-taylor-swift-music-video-christmas-tree-farm-video.html |url-status=live }} The music video features childhood home footage of her and her family, filmed at Pine Ridge Farm.{{cite magazine |last=Huff |first=Lauren |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Releases New Song 'Christmas Tree Farm' with Home Video Montage — Watch Now |url=https://ew.com/music/2019/12/06/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=December 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206060501/https://ew.com/music/2019/12/06/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm/ |url-status=live }} It captures them sledding, sitting on Santa{{'s}} lap, playing in the snow, and gathering by a Christmas tree. The video includes a clip of Swift joyfully unwrapping a present containing her first acoustic guitar on a Christmas morning; People{{'s}} Melody Chiu described it as the video's "most heartwarming moment".{{Cite magazine |last=Chiu |first=Melody |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Drops New Holiday Song 'Christmas Tree Farm' and a Music Video Featuring Home Footage |url=https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-christmas-song-listen-here/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=People |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115112802/https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-christmas-song-listen-here/ |url-status=live }} It additionally contains footage of the farm days before Swift's birth and transitions to its different areas, showcasing stockings placed by the fireplace, numerous Christmas lights decorated around the home, and her pet dog playing in the garden.
Live performances
Swift performed "Christmas Tree Farm" at the Jingle Bell Ball in London on December 8, 2019, wearing a white belted playsuit and thigh-high boots. Footage of her childhood and falling snowflakes appeared in the background throughout the performance.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8545722/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-live-video-capital-fm-jingle-bell-ball|title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Christmas Tree Farm' Live for the First Time at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball: Watch|last=Iasimone|first=Ashley|magazine=Billboard|date=December 8, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209120224/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8545722/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-live-video-capital-fm-jingle-bell-ball|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=December 9, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Christmas Tree Farm' Live for the First Time at the Jingle Bell Ball 2019 |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/taylor-swift/christmas-tree-farm-live-jingle-bell-ball-2019/ |access-date=December 10, 2024 |publisher=Capital |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119040032/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/taylor-swift/christmas-tree-farm-live-jingle-bell-ball-2019/ |url-status=live }} On December 13, she reprised the performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City as part of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, donning a sequin gold dress and knee-high boots.{{cite web|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-12-13-taylor-swift-brings-holiday-cheer-to-jingle-ball-with-christmas-tree-farm/|title=Taylor Swift Brings Holiday Cheer to Jingle Ball with 'Christmas Tree Farm'|last=Mastrogiannis|first=Nicole|publisher=iHeartRadio|date=December 14, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2024|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214064048/https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-12-13-taylor-swift-brings-holiday-cheer-to-jingle-ball-with-christmas-tree-farm/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Vanessa |date=December 14, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Rings in Her 30th Birthday With Fan-Favorite Performance |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1102803/taylor-swift-rings-in-30th-birthday-at-jingle-ball-in-nyc |access-date=December 10, 2024 |publisher=E! |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604172000/https://www.eonline.com/news/1102803/taylor-swift-rings-in-30th-birthday-at-jingle-ball-in-nyc |url-status=live }} Rolling Stone{{'s}} Patrick Doyle lauded her vocals during the performance, which featured "Beach Boys-y harmonies and a Wall of Sound arrangement".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/taylor-swift-jingle-ball-30th-birthday-review-927192/|title=Taylor Swift Celebrates Her 30th Birthday with Joyous Jingle Ball Set|last=Doyle|first=Patrick|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 14, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2024|url-access=limited|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215004327/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/taylor-swift-jingle-ball-30th-birthday-review-927192/|url-status=live}}
Credits and personnel
Credits shown below are adapted from Qobuz.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/christmas-tree-farm-taylor-swift/aze0nvgqddm2b|title=Christmas Tree Farm {{!}} Taylor Swift|publisher=Qobuz|access-date=December 12, 2024|archive-date=January 20, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250120182944/https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/christmas-tree-farm-taylor-swift/aze0nvgqddm2b|url-status=live}}
{{div col}}
- Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriter, producer
- Jimmy Napes – producer, background vocals, piano
- Serban Ghenea – mixer
- John Hanes – mixing engineer
- Gus Pirelli – recording engineer, Moog bass
- Jamie McEvoy – assistant recording engineer
- Joseph Wander – assistant recording engineer
- Will Purton – assistant recording engineer
- Bruce White – viola
- Jodi Milliner – bass guitar
- Ian Burdge – cello
- Chris Laurence – double bass
- Ash Soan – drums
- John Thurgood, Laurence Davies, Martin Owen – French horn
- Simon Hale – string arranger
- Lawrence Johnson – vocal arranger
- Candice-Mimi Otohwo, Destinee Knight-Scott, Glenn Tatenda Gwazai, Jessica Mae Obioha, Lorrain Briscoe, Margeaux Michelle, Paul Lee, Tarna Renae Johnson, Tehillah Daniel, The LJ Singers, Travis J Cole, Wayne Hernandez, Wendi Rose – background vocals
{{div col end}}
Charts
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Christmas Tree Farm"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Gold|number=1|type=single|relyear=2018|certyear=2024|access-date=February 14, 2024|refname=ARIA}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Christmas Tree Farm|award=Gold|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|id=18617-1598-1|access-date=January 3, 2025|refname=BPI}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
Release history
Footnote
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Taylor Swift songs}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Songs written by Taylor Swift
Category:American Christmas songs
Category:Republic Records singles
Category:Song recordings produced by Taylor Swift