In the medieval period Christmas was actually a solemn occasion in abbeys, and was celebrated appropriately. The austerity of Advent preceded the marvel of Christ’s birth, and while there was a little gift-giving and entertainment, it bore no comparison whatsoever to the flapping around and overindulgence of today.
Read more about the monks’ Christmas at Rievaulx here.
The abbey will be open over the Christmas period, and you will find details at the above site.
The New Murrey and Blue blog 
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