Apparently if you go searching for holly in hedgerows at this time of the year, at least in Yorkshire, then you’re scroggling it. I’ve never heard the expression before but in Haworth it’s a definite thing.

Mind you, it turns out that in some parts of Yorkshire you might call holly ollins and its turns out that the modern word – holly- is an abbreviation of the older hollen or holen. In some places, again Yorkshire, the plant is also called hulm.

My rather wonderful Complete Language of Flowers states that holly brings luck, which is not entirely surprising as its also supposed to repel lightening, the evil eye and is protection against witchcraft. No wonder it grows in so many old gardens. And apparently if you attach a sprig to the bedpost it will bring sweet dreams. If of course, you’re into weather forecasting, an abundance of berries is supposed to herald a particularly harsh winter.

The first commercial Christmas card, printed in 1843, did not feature holly but it swiftly became a popular image for festive greetings cards and Edith Holden’s diary dating from 1906, which became famous when it was published in 1977, the plant and its glossy red berries.

So – if you’re off scroggling – sweet dreams and keep warm!