Funny Gifts and Cards: 8 Windsor Christmas Traditions You Should Learn
'11.12.2020'
Source: ADME
New Year's holidays are just around the corner, which means there will be turmoil with questions eternal like the world: where to meet? what to cook? how to make it not boring? In the royal family, this is simple. They celebrate Christmas with the same fun year after year, says ADME.
Today you will learn about 10 traditions followed by the Windsor dynasty at Christmas. Perhaps the royal customs will inspire you and help make this holiday bright and unforgettable.
Prepare in advance
If you haven't started preparing yet, then it's time. Let's say that Queen Elizabeth II has started doing some Christmas-related affairs since summer. Her responsibilities include sending about 750 New Year's greeting letters to relatives, friends, partners. In order not to miss anything or anyone, Her Majesty begins to deal with this issue during her annual summer vacation.
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Send personally signed postcards
It would seem why so much time is needed for congratulatory letters. The fact is that these are not emails that the Internet hooked us on, but postcards personally signed by the queen, which she began to send while still a princess and has continued to do so for 70 years. Agree, a very emotional tradition, which is not a sin to adopt, because many of us lack that special magic that was hidden in handwritten letters.
Congratulate not only loved ones
On the eve of Christmas, the queen sends small but cute gifts to the people who work for her. Continuing the tradition that her father began, she gives her employees (there are more than 1 people) Christmas pudding and some unpretentious addition to it. The tradition of the queen to make gifts not only to close people is supported by her compatriots. For example, pets of the London Zoo regularly receive Christmas gifts.
Celebrate out of town
A great idea for those who have a summer cottage or friends who own a summer cottage. If possible, the cottage can be rented. Since 1988, the royal family has celebrated Christmas and the rest of the New Years at the Sandringham Country Residence. The queen leaves early on a regular train (albeit in a rented whole carriage), and the rest of the Windsors arrive there on December 24. Of all the castles owned by the royal family, Sandringham is the smallest, and it is not uncommon for guests to live in staff quarters.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has made its own adjustments to this tradition. This year, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for the first time in 33 years celebrate Christmas at Windsor Castle and only together to avoid contracting a dangerous virus.
Cook the same meals
What to cook delicious? This question is asked by thousands of housewives around the world. And although members of the royal family do not have to stand at the stove, the issue of Christmas dishes has been resolved long ago. According to the queen's former chef, a shrimp or lobster salad, baked turkey with a vegetable garnish is traditionally served for Christmas dinner. During the afternoon tea, guests are treated to a pudding with cognac oil.
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Decorate the tree together
The main decoration of the Christmas tree is undoubtedly the people working in the castle. But the young royals add the finishing touches. On Christmas Eve, December 24, after all the guests have gathered, tea is held, then the Queen's grandchildren and great-grandchildren finish decorating the tree. After that, it's time to unpack the gifts. It should be noted that Sandringham has a very modest Christmas decor, which cannot be said about Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace.
Giving simple but funny gifts
The main requirement for gifts that are customary to give in the royal family at Christmas is low cost and positive emotions that they cause. At one time, Princess Diana ignored this custom and gave Princess Anne an expensive cashmere sweater, receiving a toilet paper holder in return. Prince Harry once gave his grandmother a shower cap with the inscription "Isn't life a bitch", and Kate Middleton gave her husband a rubber woman who grows in water.
Make exceptions to the rule
Traditions should not be a burden, and if, for some reason, it is impossible to observe one of them, an exception should be made. After all, even Queen Elizabeth sometimes deviates from strict rules so that her family members feel comfortable.
