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'It isn’t only a moment in time, but a meeting place of past, present and yet to come': Fergus Butler-Gallie on how our churches shape our Christmases
The Church of the Nativity still moves millions of people to tears and represents the power of hope. It is why, says the Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie, we flock to our local church at Christmas, no matter how far removed it may seem.
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For the first time in five centuries, Catholic worshippers in England and Wales may soon outnumber Protestants
New figures suggest that Britain’s youth has found God. Catholicism, in particular, is proving popular.
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'We begin making in May and start packing and despatching in November — it’s carnage': How the Cotswolds' favourite cake-makers get ready for Christmas
Jessica White of the Meg Rivers Artisan Bakery makes it on to our list of our heroes of Christmas.
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The policeman turned goat-herder turned beautician, whose goats' milk soap became a sensation
Beautiful soaps always make a wonderful gift, and that's why the goats' milk soap-maker Nick King is one of our heroes of Christmas.
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How Britain’s biggest and best country houses are decking the halls (and façades) for Christmas
No one does Christmas better than Britain's country houses (probably).
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The exquisite Christmas decorations that spark childhood joy, and the decoration-maker who creates them
Elizabeth Harbour's irresistibly pretty Christmas decorations earn her a place as one of our heroes of Christmas.
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The plants to give for Christmas which will keep flowering for years
John Massey of Ashwood Nurseries grows thousands of Christmas plants each year — making him one of our Christmas heroes. Here are his tips for the best ones to give.
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'There were 900 people in the queue and I waited three hours, but it was worth it': The Christmas cracker-maker who supplies Britain's most exclusive shops
Hannah Bidmead of Nancy & Betty is the luxury Christmas cracker maker who makes the list of our heroes of Christmas.
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Tim Wilson of The Ginger Pig on the perfect Christmas ham
A great ham is one of the joys of the Christmas period, and thus Tim Wilson of The Ginger Pig takes a spot on our list of Christmas heroes.
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What the Country Life team are asking Father Christmas for this year
We hope he has deep pockets.
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What do you get a man who already has everything?
Jeremy Langmead sets out to find the ultimate personalised gift. Illustration by Giles Deacon.
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From five-figure sensations to fashion-forward timepieces, there’s a watch for everyone this Christmas, says Country Life’s expert
Have you left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? Not sure what to buy your fickle teenage son? Panic not, says Chris Hall, who has found a watch for everyone.
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Country Life's luxury editor's Christmas gift ideas for children
Present for your children, godchildren, nephews and nieces, from luxurious bed canopies to Liberty print stuffed toys.
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Country Life's luxury editor's Christmas gift ideas for pets and animal lovers
Looking for a present for a four-legged friend? Or someone somewhat obsessed with theirs? We have you covered.
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Four festive recipes from the Country Life Archive that have (thankfully) fallen out of favour
Every Monday, Melanie Bryan delves into the hidden depths of Country Life's extraordinary archive to bring you a long-forgotten story, photograph or advert.
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Country Life's luxury editor's Christmas gift ideas for foodies, from traditional hampers to nifty kitchen gadgets
Whether they're a dab hand in the kitchen or just really like eating, there will be something suitable in our luxury editor's round-up of the best Christmas gifts for foodies.
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Country Life's luxury editor's Christmas gift ideas for the home and garden
Our luxury editor's round up of the best Christmas presents for house and garden proud mothers, fathers, siblings, partners and friends.
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Country Life's luxury editor's Christmas gift ideas for leading ladies
The Country Life Christmas gift guide is back and it's bigger than ever. Here's what to buy your mother, wife, sister or girlfriend (or all four).
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Mince pies really did once contain meat — and this Victorian recipe will convince you that they should to this day
Once packed with meat, such as ox tongue and mutton, alongside dried and candied fruit and extravagant spices, the mince pie is not what it once was — and food historian Neil Buttery says that's made them worse.
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The 2024 Country Life Editor's Christmas Quiz: The Answers
How did you do? Check your answers to the quiz
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The 2024 Country Life Editor's Christmas quiz
It's Christmas day. You've probably run out of things to talk about. Why not do this quiz to pass the time? Answers will be posted at 1:30pm tomorrow.
