Megan Udinski, FISM News
If you enjoy watching Hallmark or Netflix Christmas movies, then you might enjoy knowing how the real-life British royals celebrate this holiday season.
A royal dynasty must surely be filled with history and tradition, and the Windsors do not disappoint.
Beginning in 1932, King George V started a Christmas Broadcast that has continued to this day. It has become a type of time capsule discussing current events, as well as the Queen’s opinion on the importance of Christmas. This broadcast takes place in the afternoon on Christmas day, as the royal family sits and listens as the Queen addresses the English people.
Traditionally Christmas was held at Windsor Castle, until 1988 when the castle had to be rewired. Since then, the royal family has spent the time from Christmas to New Year’s Day in Norfolk at Sandringham House, the Queen’s country estate, which is personally owned by the family and not property of the Crown.
Her Majesty emphasizes charity at the holidays, and part of that generosity includes donating Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Gile’s Cathedral, and Canongate Kirk. Additionally, local churches and schools in the Sandringham area will also receive a tree from Queen Elizabeth II.
As a way of showing gratitude to those who work for the Crown, the Queen also gives approximately 1500 puddings to palace staff, which she pays for. This tradition was started by her grandfather and continued by her father.
If the number of puddings doesn’t wow you, maybe the fact that the Queen begins her Christmas preparations during her summer vacation will. Most of us can’t help but wait until the last minute to buy gifts for those we love. However, the Queen and Duke would send about 750 Christmas cards to family, important charities, and others each Christmas. These cards were signed by both personally and therefore required a lot of time to be completed.
Unfortunately, this will be the first Christmas for the family since Prince Philip passed away earlier this year at the age of 99.
After the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, many royal traditions were put on hold with the hopes of returning to them this year. Regrettably, Queen Elizabeth II had to cancel her traditional pre-Christmas luncheon with family due to restrictions in the country and increasing mandates.
However, it appears the family intends to gather in Sandringham as usual, barring no more increased restrictions. This means that on Christmas Eve the royals will exchange presents with one another. Usually the grandchildren will buy gag gifts rather than deep meaningful presents to exchange during this time.
On Christmas Day the royal family attends the first mass of the day at St. Mary Magdalene. The Queen will have a private ceremony prior to the mass where she takes communion.
Later in the day, the family has been known to partake in a playful game of charades and some football, a.k.a. soccer.
For the royal family, Christmas is a time for giving to others, spending time with family, celebrating faith, and holding to tradition. Happy Christmas to the Windsors and to all of you!
You can watch the Queen’s Christmas 2020 broadcast here: