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Rachel - Longtime Downton Fan
Christmas, a time that should be full of season’s tidings and joy, is instead rife with anguish and drama at Downton. This episode, of course, set the trend for
Downton Abbey Christmas specials, which range from excellent lines and happy endings (this one!) to specials that ended with far more questions and tears (Season 3, especially).
However, this particular Christmas special is one of the few that takes place during the holiday season, which always makes it such a fun rewatch for me. Even if, like Mrs. Hughes, I’m not in the mood to wear a paper hat and celebrate right alongside the cast, I find learning about the various customs across the pond fascinating: plum pudding, Christmas crackers, celebrations both upstairs and down (and celebrations that combine them both, like the Servants’ Ball at the end of the episode).