Christmas is the most intense time of year at the abbey and the season begins with Advent. Relative newbie, minor canon Bob is in charge of this dramatic service, which involves multiple
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Christmas is the most intense time of year at the abbey and the season begins with Advent. Relative newbie, minor canon Bob is in charge of this dramatic service, which involves multiple candles being held aloft to represent the light of Christ coming into the world. Music is a vital part of the DNA of the abbey. Under the supervision of choirmaster James O' Donnell, the choristers rehearse for the Christmas carol concerts to come. It's a special time for James, as it's his last Christmas at the abbey after being there for more than 20 years. In the library, the dean inspects a precious medieval document. The richly illustrated Litlyngton Missal records how the abbey celebrated Christmas six centuries ago. Lorraine, head honcho of the abbey's in-house restaurant, is looking for inspiration for her Christmas lunch menu. Archivist Mathew digs out details of the abbey's seasonal celebrations in Tudor times. But will geese, capons, spices, and gallons and gallons of ale really make it onto