Monday, 26 December, 2022

Congregation

Christmas, Community

Congregation

4 min read
Happy Christmas! Christmas Day begins, of course, with the excitement of Christmas stockings and the sound of fast moving little feet running around the gallery as my nieces can wait no longer to find out what Santa has left for them. After a slow and noisy breakfast we all gather together to make our way down to Highclere Church  for the morning service. It is always such a joyous event with a  full congregation, full of good wishes and bonhomie. It is something we have not been able to truly appreciate during the last two Christmases of pandemic so was savoured yesterday even more than usual. The birth of any baby is a joyous moment which everyone and anyone can celebrate, but, Christmas brings us together to honour a particularly special baby. Born in a stable, into an uncertain political environment, his arrival was nevertheless signalled by a blazing star and celebrated by both wise  men and shepherds in their fields. Yesterday we sang songs of praise together in church in what is a wonderfully complete antidote to much of today’s gloomy news, social media and press comments. Singing and music has had deep roots in our human culture throughout recorded history. Listening to, enjoying or playing music can trigger a multitude of emotions: pleasure, sadness or comfort, but in listening and connecting with memories, it touches us deeply and in turn can change our moods. More than 30,000 years ago early humans were already playing bone flutes, percussive instruments and jaw harps and since then almost all known societies throughout the world have had music. Indeed, our appreciation appears to be innate in that infants as young as two months will turn toward harmonies or pleasing sounds. Music engages many areas distributed throughout the brain, including those that are usually involved in other kinds of cognition. Past conversations can suddenly be effortlessly remembered along with visions of friends or relations not seen for years. Music has been defined as “an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and colour”. This seems particularly apt at Christmas which, as well as being a time for joy, is so often surrounded by swirling emotions. It is said that sound is often one of the last senses to leave us. People talk or play music to unconscious friends or relatives as a way of reaching out to them when all else seems pointless whilst parents will instinctively croon to tiny babies to comfort them. Carols, in terms of religious songs celebrating particular events, have been around for centuries but really came into their modern, recognisable form during the 19th century when they began to be collected together and printed in books or pamphlets. It is thought that the concept of a Christmas carol service was invented in Truro, Cornwall in the 1880 by Edward White Benson, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. As a result, many of today’s most popular carols are dignified, melodic 19th-century lyrics and tunes with  rich harmonies and Christmassy bells  and brass abundant. They do make for wonderful singing for all age groups.  Carol singers have been part of many of our events here in the last three weeks. Without doubt, however, one of the most memorable mornings was when a group of extraordinary women  - refugees here from Ukraine  - sang both their and our traditional carols,  touching  our heart strings. Another evening we welcomed  back the British military wives choir, who were last here in 2019. Thank you all so very much. On that note  may I take this opportunity to wish you all, wherever you are in the world, a very Happy Christmas from all of the Highclere team. “Hark. The herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King.”    
Subscribe to my Blog
By clicking in Subscribe I agree to be emailed to confirm my subscription to this list
More from Highclere

Find out more about Friends at Highclere and follow us on:

78 Comments

Judy Engstrom
December 26, 2022 at 03:22 pm

Hope you had a blessed Christmas and have a wonderful 2023. Stay well you and your husband and all of your wonderful staff.

Sue King
December 26, 2022 at 03:23 pm

Christmas carols are one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. Merry Christmas to all of you at Highclere!

Jeanne
December 26, 2022 at 03:24 pm

Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for sharing.

Karen Millslagle
December 26, 2022 at 03:26 pm

Happy Christmas—Carols do bring a joyous feeling to the season. And whether they are traditional or modern, they celebrate the season. But as you said they celebrate that long ago birth in a manager. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Richard Brumfield
December 26, 2022 at 03:30 pm

Thank you for sharing! What wonderful traditions!

Jenny Modave
December 26, 2022 at 03:30 pm

Beautiful pictures, Happy Boxing Day.
fondly Jenny

Ione
December 26, 2022 at 03:31 pm

Happy Christmas Lady Carnarvon!

Marie Millen
December 26, 2022 at 03:33 pm

May the spirit of the season forever reign in our hearts!
Marie M. Cleveland, Ohio

Martha Glass
December 26, 2022 at 03:33 pm

Lady Carnarvon,
Happy Christmas and a hope-filled New Year to you and your family. Thank you for the gift of your stories on Monday mornings! Music is a joy which will calm our souls or lift our spirits - a blessing especially in this Holy Season. Surely there is a “God of Grace and God of Glory” in our lives.
Martha G

Karen Golden
December 26, 2022 at 03:35 pm

Thank you for your lovely blogs Lady Carnarvon. I always look forward to them each Monday morning. As someone who participates in a similar "project," I recognize and honor the effort that goes into providing so much enrichment for us!

Kimberly Salzbrunn
December 26, 2022 at 03:39 pm

Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing and Happy Christmas to you and your family. Highclere must be a magical place to celebrate the season.

Araceli
December 26, 2022 at 03:48 pm

Gracias!!! FELIZ NAVIDAD!!

John Wright
December 26, 2022 at 03:51 pm

Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for the thoughts and lovely photos. How are the acoustics in Highclere as the main spaces have a box-like shape? Irregardless, I suspect the joy imparted by the singers when added to their talent made for beautiful memories.
My wife and I wish a perfect mixture of rain and sunshine for all your trees and flowers in 2023.

Lynn of FL
December 26, 2022 at 03:53 pm

Happy Christmas back to you and Boxing Day as well Lady Carnarvon,
Such another true and lovely Monday morning Blog. I have always been a music & song lover.
So true about the connection of music to our emotions and moods.
Thank you again for the wonderful history and connective information for the current holiday. Love listening to and singing along to traditional Christmas Holiday Carols. Was able to do that recently with the great Italian singer: Andrea Del Principe.
Glad to read that your Christmas day yesterday was fun and wonderful with your family members and with outsiders able to come back to Highclere Castle since prior to the Pandemic.
Happy for you all.
Continue to remain well and enjoy the last week of '22 and looking forward to your blogs in 2023.

Lady Carnarvon
December 26, 2022 at 03:55 pm

Happy Christmas!

Lady Carnarvon
December 26, 2022 at 03:56 pm

I have been doing a jigsaw puzzle with my sisters and nieces - magic

Lady Carnarvon
December 26, 2022 at 03:56 pm

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Norma Forbes
December 26, 2022 at 03:56 pm

Beautiful! Thank you.

Lady Carnarvon
December 26, 2022 at 03:57 pm

The accoustics are fantastic

Mary Brisbane
December 26, 2022 at 04:06 pm

Merry Christmas ✨✨

Linda Kaempf
December 26, 2022 at 04:10 pm

Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your blog.

Kak Hogg
December 26, 2022 at 04:17 pm

Hope you had a lovely Christmas love your blogs keeps us in touch with Downton
Abbey (series to an extent) lovely to see your family photos at the Castle. Where is Highclere Church located please is it on Castle grounds??? Stay Safe and a Very Happy 2023

Donna Carl
December 26, 2022 at 04:24 pm

Good morning!.

Isn’t it wonderful that slowly but surely we are starting to get together again.
We are still cautious though as there are still people getting sick.
My grandson, his wife and three young children were to come from Chicago to Whitby but they all have Covid. Thankfully we could have a visit on FaceTime.
So many have had to adjust their plans and make do.
I do give thanks for the many blessings in my life. I have family around me to give support and love.

I wish you, your family and those who support you continued good health and happiness!

Sincerely,
Donna Carl
Whitby Ontario
Canada

Karen Farris
December 26, 2022 at 04:28 pm

Lady Carnarvon did you and lord Carnarvon have a lovely Christmas and it is my birthday today

Vickie Cotton
December 26, 2022 at 04:30 pm

Happy Christmas Lord and Lady Carnarvon! We still have fond memories of our visit in 2018

Karen Farris
December 26, 2022 at 04:33 pm

Lady Carnarvon did you have a nice Christmas and lord Carnarvon and it is my birthday on Boxing Day

Karen farris
December 26, 2022 at 04:36 pm

Lady Carnarvon did you and lord Carnarvon have a lovely Christmas today it is my birthday on Boxing Day lam a fan of Downton abbey

Lorraine Allison
December 26, 2022 at 04:39 pm

Dear Lady Carnarvon, hope your Christmas day was merry and bright. My very best wishes for a Happy New Year I will be at Highclere in April.
God bless

Savan W. Wilson
December 26, 2022 at 04:44 pm

I got happy chills reading this as what a wonderful way to share Highclere and all its grace and beauty. A lovely message today. Bless you for sharing and your amazing skill at making us all feel a part of it.

Jerelyn Ryan Sehl
December 26, 2022 at 04:45 pm

I appreciate you so much! And always learn something!

Cheryl Thompson
December 26, 2022 at 04:50 pm

Lady Carnarvon. I love the Christmas songs. Whether singing them in church or just in the house, always so meaningful. All the very best to you, your family and Team Highclere. Cheryl.

Paul Winsland
December 26, 2022 at 04:54 pm

It is amazing, no matter what the occasion is, Christmas, Easter, Birthday or any other celebration, music always gets to the heart. Sometimes totally unexpected, a certain note, a few words, or a familiar tune, they all can stir deep emotions from deep inside. Silent Night always has effect on me, and for some, it might be something completely different.
What ever we hear it’s good to have memories, but more importantly it can give us hope for the future.
Happy New Year, to you and your family,
Paul

Peggy M.
December 26, 2022 at 04:55 pm

Such a lovely read as always, your posts are like music to our ears, beautiful written and also to perfection an touching never the less. My most favorite Christmas Carol is "In the Bleak Midwinter, do you have a favorite Lady Carnavon? Many Blessings looking forward in the New Year and more inspiring blogs.

Linda
December 26, 2022 at 04:58 pm

Our church caroled for the shut-ins at our church, and ended with hot chocolate and cookies. It was a great time for all of us.

Downton Gazette
December 26, 2022 at 05:13 pm

Happy Boxing Day ! And thanks for mentioning the powerful words of Felix Mendelssohn's Christmas Carol. Music is what holds together people 's heart and connects their mind

Susan Kearsey
December 26, 2022 at 05:23 pm

Lady Carnarvon
Thank you so much for such beautiful words during a wonderful Season. You and your are blessed to have such amazing music in your home. Music is one 9f beautiful wonders of the wotld. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

Susan

Wallace H Craig
December 26, 2022 at 05:25 pm

Merry Christmas to all..........

Carolyn Trodden
December 26, 2022 at 05:30 pm

Thank you so much.
Maybe you an everyone have a blessed New Year....

Ann Lombard
December 26, 2022 at 05:35 pm

Lady Carnarvon,
Your messages are always so poignant and moving. Thank you for sharing the stories of Highclere with everyone. Wishing you and your family a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Greetings from Maine, USA

Pam Oates
December 26, 2022 at 06:05 pm

Merry Christmas to all your family members and Highclere staff. Music, family, friends, and good food are always the perfect combination for a wonderful time. I believe finishing a crossword puzzle with family only adds to your Christmas fun. I worked on my jigsaw puzzle this Christmas season while listening to "The Earl and the Pharaoh". Your book was fascinating.

Have fun with your family,
Pam

Laura Barger
December 26, 2022 at 06:17 pm

Christmas blessings, peace and joy to all at Highclere. Thank you for your wise and heartwarming blogs, Lady Carnarvon, and happy Boxing Day!

Virginia Stone
December 26, 2022 at 06:25 pm

Dear Lady Canarvon,
Happy Christmas to you and everyone at Highclere. So glad you are once again able to have your Christmas events. As one with degrees in vocal performance I have always been privileged to share in various Christmas performances ( mostly for free) over the years and I too, love the music of Christmas. In the US we also have something called “Tuba Christmas” in various locations throughout the country for Tuba, Euphonium and Baritone players to come together and play carols out of an official Tuba Christmas book. The concerts were originally established 50 years ago to honor Bill Bell, a famous US tuba player who is buried in Perry, Iowa near Des Moines. I attended a concert in Des Moines in 2019 and after, I turned to my husband and said that it looked like fun and I wondered if I, with only a piano and vocal background, could learn to play the Euphonium and he looked at me like I had lost my mind. Fast forward 3 years and, although we did have live events the past 2 Christmases, things are back to full strength now, and on Dec. 3rd, I played in a Tuba Christmas event in Ames Iowa with 230 players and an audience of 2300. (Helps that Ames is the home of the University if Iowa). It was truly an amazing experience. I know the UK, including the Queen and now King have a strong brass band tradition, but it you are ever in the US around Christmas and have the chance to attend a Tuba Christmas event, I am sure you would enjoy it. Once again, Happy Christmas from the US.

Valarie LaBore
December 26, 2022 at 06:33 pm

Music carries memories for me. I can listen to a song I heard 30 years ago and remember exactly what I was doing at that time. It also feels emotional to me as I listen to music, mostly instrumental/classical, and my body responds to it.
Christmas music fills me with joy and I want to sing out myself to it.
What a lovely Christmas this was for you and yours.
Val in California

Mark Seymour
December 26, 2022 at 06:43 pm

Happy Christmas to the entire Highclere family! May this holiday season be filled with joy, peace, and love. May you all be blessed with good health and happiness throughout the New Year. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous 2023!

H. Carleton Godsey III
December 26, 2022 at 06:46 pm

Merry Christmas!

Perpetua Crawford
December 26, 2022 at 06:47 pm

Dear Lady Carnarvon:

Thank you for your Monday blog, the short history of carols and music, and how it impacts our lives. You always post such beautiful and vibrant pictures.

Is the church in Highclere named Church of Saint Michael and all the Angels?

You were fortunate to have been able to attend Christmas Services in person. The weather in Metropolitan Detroit was uncooperative, and I could not find anyone to attend Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with me; so I watched the broadcast on television.

I hope you, Lord Carnarvon, and everyone at Highclere enjoys their Boxing Day.

So until next week, I wish you, Lord Carnarvon, and everyone at Highclere a Happy New Year.

Perpetua Crawford

Karen farris
December 26, 2022 at 07:03 pm

Lady Carnarvon and lord Carnarvon happy new year 2023 and lovely to visit highcelere castle and lam fan of Downton abbey

Karen farris
December 26, 2022 at 07:06 pm

Lady Carnarvon and lord Carnarvon did you have a lovely Christmas and today it is my birthday on Boxing Day and lovely to visit highcelere castle

Barbara
December 26, 2022 at 07:12 pm

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day from Arizona,USA

Jan Shifferd
December 26, 2022 at 07:12 pm

Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for sharing this. It is meaningful and soothing for Christmas. Have a wonderful New Year.

Mary Ann Kirkwood
December 26, 2022 at 07:14 pm

Dear Lady Carnarvon. Something that is a must see this time of the year for me, is the 2004 musical version of "A Christmas Carol" with Kelsey Grammar and Jason Alexander. The music has beautiful messages of home and being together. If you haven't seen it, you may enjoy viewing it.
I hope you, your family and staff had a lovely Christmas and wish all the best for the New Year.

Anita Mešin Baraba
December 26, 2022 at 07:18 pm

May God bless with good health!

Ada Akimoto
December 26, 2022 at 07:21 pm

Thank you for a very heart warming Christmas entry. Your family and staff’s continued support of people who have made sacrifices for the good of their country is wonderful. I support you efforts in spirit. One day I hope to attend an event for one of your causes. You blessed so many people this Christmas.

Susan Kearsey
December 26, 2022 at 07:29 pm

Lady Carnarvon and Family,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Susan Kearsey
Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada

Catherine in Greece
December 26, 2022 at 08:06 pm

KALES YIORTES! A most blessed and happy Christmas to all at Highclere,
with peace and joy for you and yours and for the whole world.

Jo
December 26, 2022 at 08:52 pm

Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing your wonderful traditions of Christmas.
Happy new year 2023!

Lorraine Greenfield
December 26, 2022 at 08:58 pm

Dear Lady Carnarvon,

Wishing you, your family and all the staff at Highclere a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes
Lorraine xxxx

Roberta Fox
December 26, 2022 at 09:25 pm

Happy Christmas to you, Lady Carnarvon! Lovely pictures today, though they always are. I so enjoyed some the musical history of humans, and their first instruments,, and of Christmas carols in particular. I don’t believe I can ever hear the stirring chords and beginnings of O Come All Ye Faithful without tearing up.

We, too, are ecstatic to be gathering together again. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year for you and yours.

Roberta F.

Karen farris do
December 26, 2022 at 09:58 pm

Lady Carnarvon did you and lord Carnarvon have a nice Christmas it is my birthday today on Boxing Day and lovely to visit highcelere castle and lam fan of Downton abbey

Karen farris
December 26, 2022 at 10:00 pm

Lady Carnarvon did you get any snow at Christmas and l lovely to visit highcelere castle and lam fan of Downton abbey

Ann Catherine Flood
December 26, 2022 at 11:23 pm

Seasons Greetings Lady Carnarvon,

Thanks for reminding us all of the birth of a VERY special baby-and I'm hoping the babies in
your life- your nieces, you and your family have a LOVELY Christmas holiday. The New Year
is bound to be a fullfilling and busy one for you and your staff at Highclere. Take time to relax
and enjoy Christmas and New Years and all they bring!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Ann Catherine Flood

BARBARA BOUCHARD
December 27, 2022 at 12:18 am

Merry Christmas & thank you for sharing. God bless to all!

Thank you,
Barbara B.

Su Bowling
December 27, 2022 at 01:37 am

Thank You for sharing the Christmas traditions at Highclere.
Merry Christmas!

I always enjoy your blogs and all the traditions.

Looking forward to the New Year with you and the friends who make Highclere come to life for us so far away.

I received a lovely bottle of Highclere begin for Christmas!
A joyful surprise.

KiKi Econome
December 27, 2022 at 04:47 am

Kikitsa, a Greek American from California, Hronia Polla kai Eftihes yo Neo Etos me Eghia and Hara. Yiassas.

Candice Black
December 27, 2022 at 04:52 am

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!
Blessings for the coming New Year!

Sandra L Picchi
December 27, 2022 at 05:20 pm

It is truly a wonderful time of the year, especially with a Christmas carol service - a perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Wishing you and your family the very best this holiday season.

Sandra Picchi

Wendy Powell
December 28, 2022 at 03:18 pm

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Nancy Van
December 28, 2022 at 03:33 pm

What lovely photos! I'd love to see more pictures of the chapel at Highclere (inside and out), and maybe some history of it. Thank you again for your thoughtful and delightful posts.

Jayson Lambert-Roszak
December 28, 2022 at 10:50 pm

Dear Lady Carnarvo.

My husband and I wish you and you family a very happy season.

I now honor all the traditions to the season. Although raised Roman Catholic and I have learned that all the different sects of Christianity and Judaism all praise one god and so I combine on all together. Along with lighting my advent wreath, the Hanukkah menorah, I feel I praise our God n all his beings.

May your holidays be blessed.

Jayson & Robert Lambert-Roszak

Carol Blue
December 29, 2022 at 04:13 pm

Thank you! That was beautiful! Have a wonderful New Year and 2023

Patrick Roso
December 29, 2022 at 08:20 pm

Lady Carnarvo,
Perhaps it was an oversite, but why didn't you use the "special baby's" name, Jesus? No matter all the trappings that come with this season, Christmas Day is in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Christ's Mass


"The birth of any baby is a joyous moment which everyone and anyone can celebrate, but, Christmas brings us together to honour a particularly special baby. Born in a stable, into an uncertain political environment, his arrival was nevertheless signalled by a blazing star and celebrated by both wise men and shepherds in their fields."


Patrick Roso

Claudia N. Groh
December 30, 2022 at 01:12 pm

We traveled from America and very much enjoyed our 1st English Christmas at our daughter's home in Bishops Cleeve, outside of Cheltenham. It was very special to share Christmas excitement with our 2 year old grandson! Also, it was fun to include some new English traditions in our celebration. A very Happy Christmas, indeed! Best Wishes for a peaceful and healthy New Year!

Lady Carnarvon
January 02, 2023 at 02:26 pm

I hoped i was leading you towards the baby - towards the journey - towqrds the universal experience - the answer comes later

Stella Aguirre
January 03, 2023 at 08:17 pm

Have a wonderful New year and 2023..from Buenos Aires Argentina

Alex Sakowski
January 04, 2023 at 01:02 am

Dear Lady Carnarvon,

As a Ukrainian, I am truly touched by your kind being so kind to invite women from my war-torn country who found a welcome refuge in Britain.
Singing Christmas carols is such a popular tradition of my people, and, as you may already know, one of them - Carol of the Bells - gained world-wide recognition.

Once again, thank you for your kindness and belated Merry Christmas!

And, of course, we are big fans of Highclere, enjoyed the visit very much!

With best wishes,
Alex and Julia Sakowski
Irvine, CA
USA

Geri Sheed
January 06, 2023 at 02:14 pm

Thanks for sharing. I saw a special on TV where you were interviewed a few years back. You were wearing a Jewish star. Was it a piece of estate jewelry? Just curious

Kathy Stephan
January 06, 2023 at 02:57 pm

As I'm just seeing this I want to say I know from your post you had a wonderful Christmas and I'm wishing you a happy healthy New Year.
Thank you for the history of music as I've never really given much though to the origins even though I love music.
Thank you for letting us glimpse into your Christmas in our favorite Castle.

Sandy
January 08, 2023 at 08:46 pm

Yes Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing. Christmas Carols are the best!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Results