**Introduction: Why Holly Bushes are So Special in ACNH**

Holly bushes in *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* (ACNH) are one of the most festive and exciting items you can find in the game. They are the perfect decoration for your island during the winter season, adding a splash of color and a touch of Christmas spirit to your virtual world. But there is something that puzzles many players: how do you get them? Why can’t you find them easily? And how do they fit into the game’s mechanics?
Don’t worry, you are not alone if you’ve ever been confused about these holly bushes. Let’s dive in and figure out what they are all about and how you can get your own holly bushes without the stress.
**What Are Holly Bushes in ACNH?**
Holly bushes are a seasonal plant that players can add to their islands to make everything look more festive and beautiful. They first appear in the game during the winter months (from early November to December), and they have red berries that make them look like they came straight from a Christmas card.
While they look great, they are also essential for crafting some DIY items like the holly wreath or festive decorations. So, if you’re aiming to create a cozy and magical holiday atmosphere on your island, these bushes are a must-have.
**The Challenge: How to Get Holly Bushes?**
Now, here comes the tricky part. While you might expect to find these bushes lying around like other plants, you actually need to be a bit clever to get them. Holly bushes are not available for direct purchase from Nook’s Cranny, and they don’t just appear in your inventory. Instead, you need to grow them!
To get holly bushes, you will need to get holly starts. These little starts can be obtained during the special winter event where you meet the Jingle the Reindeer. After you complete some festive tasks and trade in your bells or festive items, you can get your hands on these holly starts. You can then plant them on your island, and in a few days, you’ll have your very own holly bushes ready to decorate your island with beautiful red berries.
**Players’ Experience: A Journey of Joy and Frustration**

Players’ experiences with holly bushes vary widely. Some players find the search for holly starts easy and exciting, while others find it a bit frustrating. After all, you need to wait for the right time and conditions to get them. For some, this long wait can feel a bit like waiting for a snowstorm in real life—worth it, but sometimes annoyingly slow!
One player on a popular ACNH forum said, “I was so excited when I finally got my first holly bush! It made my island feel so much more Christmas-y. But honestly, getting those holly starts was a bit of a hassle. I didn’t know where to find them at first!” This feedback sums up the mix of happiness and confusion many players face when they encounter holly bushes for the first time.
**How to Solve the Holly Bush Mystery: A Simple Solution**
If you’re tired of waiting for the holly bushes to come to you, don’t worry! There are a couple of things you can do to speed things up:
1. **Time Travel**: Some players turn to the time travel method in ACNH. By changing your Nintendo Switch’s date settings, you can make the game think it’s the holiday season, and you’ll get the chance to find the holly starts and start growing your bushes sooner.
2. **Trade with Friends**: Another option is to trade holly starts with your friends. If they’ve already got holly bushes growing, they might be able to share some starts with you. This way, you can avoid the wait altogether and decorate your island faster.
3. **Check Your Nook’s Cranny Stock**: Don’t forget to check Nook’s Cranny regularly during the winter months. Sometimes, you can find holly-related items like DIY recipes or festive decorations that can help you build your perfect holiday atmosphere.
**What Are Players Saying About Holly Bushes?**
As with most things in ACNH, the community is full of opinions about holly bushes. On Reddit, players often share their excitement about decorating their islands with these bushes, saying things like “Holly bushes make my island look like a winter wonderland!” On the other hand, some players express frustration, such as “Why does it take so long to grow these bushes? I want to decorate NOW!”

The consensus seems to be that holly bushes are worth the effort, even if they require a little patience to grow. Many players are willing to put in the time for the reward of having a beautiful, festive island come wintertime.
**Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition Worth Waiting For**
In the end, holly bushes are one of those little details in *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* that make the holiday season feel extra special. Yes, getting them might take a little effort, but once they’re planted and you see their colorful berries, you’ll agree that they are worth it.
If you’re looking for a way to bring holiday cheer to your island, these holly bushes are a great way to do it. Remember to check your Nook’s Cranny, talk to your friends for trades, and maybe even try some time traveling to get your hands on them.
**Have you ever tried to grow holly bushes on your island? What’s your experience with them? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your best holiday island designs!**