Here's why the Royal Family actually exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve
Christmas is nearly upon us and, although the festive season might look slightly different this year due to the cost-of-living crisis, hopefully we'll all be able to enjoy the things that bring us joy over the holidays – whether that's eating pigs in blankets, catching up with loved ones or giving and receiving presents.
And it's presents that we've got on our mind at the moment, as we've just discovered that in the Royal household, their Christmas gifting tradition is quite unlike the rest of Britain's. In fact, it turns out that the Royal Family exchange their presents on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day itself. As for why that is, it's all to do with the family's German heritage...
In Germany, Christmas celebrations begin on 24 December, when presents are exchanged and opened, and the Christmas tree is decorated. Known as Heiligabend Bescherung – which translates to 'Christmas Eve gifts' – the tradition was introduced to the Royal Family by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who was German.
This year, the Royal Family will mark the first festive season since losing Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September. As is tradition, The Firm will gather at Sandringham, although experts predict that traditions will be scaled back, with some royals opting to spend more time with their individual families, rather than as a group.
"I think the King’s Christmas plans might be up in the air a bit," former BBC royal commentator Jennie Bond told OK!. "The younger royals will probably want to spend time with their own families, so I think the two or three day celebrations of the past may, indeed, be a thing of the past."
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