🎄 Just call him Father Christmas

Seventy-two years ago, 27-year-old Pud Johnston and his brother Eric opened a quaint Christmas tree farm in Eastern Ontario.

Every July-December since then, Pud has spent his days pruning and caring for trees in preparation for the holiday season.

Yes, you did the math right: Pud is 99 years old, with no plans of retiring any time soon. Now a family business, the Johnston Brothers Tree Farm is Pud’s pride and joy, selling thousands of trees each holiday season.

• Pud credits his health in his old age to working on the farm, sharing with the Washington Post that: “It keeps me fit, and I think it’s one of the reasons I’m 99 years old,” he said. “I can still prune very effectively.”

🎄 A family tradition: The farm is now managed by his son, Kerry, who, like his dad, has “always been a tree guy.” Kerry cut his first Christmas tree at age 8, and had pruned and planted before that. The men hope to pass down the Christmas tree farm for generations to come.

“I’ve stayed fit and active,” Pud said of his career. The job also requires him to spend time in nature, which he loves even more than the Christmas season itself. “I’m happy, I’m confident, I’ve always been satisfied with what’s happening.” 

And when asked if he expects to be pruning Christmas trees next season, Pud – who will turn 100 in October – had no hesitation. “Absolutely,” he said. “Yes, I will be."