As the UK storms closer and closer to the Christmas Day finale of season 2 of Downton Abbey on ITV1, we’re another day closer here in the States to the Downton Abbey premiere on January 8 as part of PBS’ Masterpiece series. All the particulars are back as Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Stevens all return but who will make it to season 3 is still to be determined with the beginning of World War II shaking Downton Abbey to its’ foundation.

As we have mentioned more often than the law allows, the wonderful part of this year’s broadcast is that no matter which side of the pond you’re on, we can go to sleep each night with the knowledge that the series will live on for another season, having already been commissioned by ITV for a third season.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Cheers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe3-LBSkYw4