There are just a few more sleeps until the Big Day itself (Christmas, obvs), and while this year might have been a tough one for many, the festive period is a welcome chance to take a break and refresh for whatever 2026 has in store for us. Hopefully said break will also mean we can all enjoy the things that bring us joy over the holidays, be it scoffing pigs in blankets and sipping cocktails, simply catching up with loved ones, or giving/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 unique. It turns out that the Royal Family exchanges 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 December 24, 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.
As is tradition, most of The Firm is set to gather at Sandringham for the festive holiday, although this year Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson will be missing, as they've been uninvited. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children are also unlikely to be there, as they have not spent Christmas at Sandringham since 2018.
That said, we're sure everyone will have a lovely day—no matter where or with whom they spend it! Now, what do we think Prince William and Kate Middleton have got for one another this year?
