Highclere Castle, known as ''the real Downton Abbey'' bustles with activity at the best of times, but it is never more alive than at Christmas.Christmas at Highclere is a look behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make the castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season.Lady Carnarvon will guide you through Advent, Christmas preparations and Christmas Eve all the way through to the day itself, and beyondLearn how the castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon, the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds.All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singersThe festive feeling is carried through to Highclere''s Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year''s Eve celebrations.This book also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere - of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after a long journ