When it comes to celebrating Christmas, the royal family certainly marches to the beat of their own drum.
While most British households eagerly await the 25th of December, the Windsors have a unique approach that sets them apart from the rest of the nation.
Their customs are steeped in history and reflect a blend of tradition and personal touch, making their holiday celebrations truly one-of-a-kind.
For the young royals—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and little Prince Louis—the excitement kicks off on Christmas Eve.
Unlike many children in Britain who wait until Christmas morning to unwrap presents, these three get to dive into their gifts a day early.
This tradition has its roots in the family’s German heritage, as explained by Darren McGrady, a former chef to the royals.
In Germany, it’s customary to open presents after enjoying afternoon tea on the 24th, a practice that the Windsors have happily adopted.
But what about the gifts themselves?
You might expect that royal children would receive extravagant presents fit for a prince or princess.
However, sources reveal that Kate Middleton and Prince William prefer to keep things balanced.
They do indulge their kids during the festive season, but they avoid going overboard.
In 2021, for instance, the boys received a climbing structure, camping gear, and walkie-talkies, while Princess Charlotte unwrapped a video camera.
It seems the emphasis is on fun rather than luxury.
Interestingly enough, the young royals don’t just stop at Christmas Eve when it comes to gift-giving.
They also partake in the tradition of unwrapping presents on Christmas Day, even though the family typically opens gifts the night before.
This dual celebration adds an extra layer of joy to their holiday festivities.
When it comes to Christmas lunch, the royals have yet another distinct custom.
While they do gather for a traditional Christmas dinner on December 25, the younger members of the family are kept separate until they reach a certain age.
McGrady elaborated on this practice, noting that the children were always fed in the nursery until they could behave properly at the dining table.
This approach was a clever way to maintain decorum during the holiday celebrations.
The late Queen Elizabeth II had her own methods for hosting the royal festivities.
Thanks to the nursery arrangement, she never had to contend with noisy toddlers disrupting the meal.
McGrady reminisced about how this Victorian-era practice kept the atmosphere serene and orderly.
