Anniversaries

Our festive traditions may feel rooted in celebrations of the birth of Christ, but the trees and plants we use for decoration tell a different story

Whether it’s a rosy-cheeked girl wrapped up warm, sun-bathed sheep at twilight or a snow-blanketed apple orchard, myriad pictures sum up the festive season, as 16 friends of COUNTRY LIFE tell Carla Passino

Meet the people who transform our beloved buildings into festive wonderlands each Christmas

1. In the carol ‘The twelve days of Christmas’, what does ‘my true love’ give on the 10th day? a. Maids a-milkingb. French hensc. Geese a-layingd. Lords a-leaping 2. In which royal residence was Queen

Discover what makes these plants popular around Christmas time

From gleaming presents to inebriating parties, discover five artists’ interpretations of the festive season