A family in Aldringham have taken rocking around the Christmas tree to a whole new level, with almost 20 Christmas trees squeezed into their living room. 

Cara Chinery thought she had a record number of Christmas trees last year with an impressive 16. 

This year, her total stands at 19. 

“I wouldn’t say it’s a case of getting bigger and better,” said mum-of-three Cara. “It’s about appreciating what we’ve got. 

“Christmas is about family and spending time together – but everybody enjoys a bit of sparkle and glitter!"

Friends and family, she said, love to visit this veritable Santa’s grotto, while her teenaged children’s friends enjoy coming round to take selfies. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Christmas is taken seriously in Cara Chinery's household.Christmas is taken seriously in Cara Chinery's household. (Image: Cara Chinery)

East Anglian Daily Times: The family decided that if they could not have a real tree, they would fill their home with as many artificial trees as possible.The family decided that if they could not have a real tree, they would fill their home with as many artificial trees as possible. (Image: Cara Chinery)

This tradition first began seven years ago, when Cara’s youngest child, Pearl, was seven. 

“We always used to have the biggest real Christmas tree we could get, the one that wouldn’t go through the netting machine and wouldn’t fit in the car,” explained Cara. 

This had to change when the family realised that Pearl had several allergies, which included pine needles. 

They resigned themselves to buying an artificial tree. 

“We went for a plastic one at first, and we didn’t think it was very good,” said Cara.

However, not to be defeated, she decided that if the family could not have a real tree, they would have to add as many fake trees as they could, fully restoring the magic of Christmas. 

“It developed from there. People would say, I’ve got one you can have. My mum donated one, friends were giving them to me,” Cara explained. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Many of the trees have been given to Cara by friends and family.Many of the trees have been given to Cara by friends and family. (Image: Cara Chinery)

The tradition grew over the years, until finally, Cara has just shy of 20 trees in her living room. 

“It’s literally the Christmas tree room. There’s only one seat left that you can get to!” she said. 

However, she said that at 19, she might finally have found her limit. 

“I’m not sure I could fit any more in. I don’t think there’s room in my loft!” she said.