Christmas in Royal Homes.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XXVI, 29 December 1900, Page 1239

Christmas in Royal Homes.

It would surprise the average child to see the Christmas presents of the Kaiser’s children. Their mother had the principles of economy and frugality early instilled in her mind, and she has never departed from her simple domestic routine. The Empress has a wide number of relatives, friends, and proteges to remember at Christmas-time, and her children receive the most inexpensive and simple of gifts, says the New York Mail and Express. They are not allowed to receive presents from any one save their parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. A box of sugar plums, a few fruits, invariably a selection of wholesome books, one toy, and a Useful thing make up the list. Cast Christinas the youngest Prince received a ball of string, a paper of tacks, and a hammer from his father. Christmas does not bring any especial festivity to the Royal Palace in Spain. The day is chiefly given up to religious ceremonies. The young King receives congratulations and the Queen and her daughters personally dispense a. good deal of money in alms. In the early days of her life in Spain the Queen Regent tried to introduce the German custom of the Christmas tree, but her Spanish courtiers rather turned up their noses, and she wisely forbore to insist upon an alien custom.

The greatest jollity reigns in the home of the little Queen of Holland at Christmas time. Wilhelmina celebrates the festival vigorously and delightedly. She has always had a tree on Christmas eve, always hung up her stocking, and she loves to give presents. There is scarcely a poor child in The Hague who is not remembered by the Queen. One of her chief joys on Christmas morning is to follow the ancient Dutch custom of appearing suddenly at a door, and .after flinging a gift rolled in a big ball of straw into the room running away as fast as she can. Another Christmas habit is that of driving about the snowy streets and tossing bonbons +a- groups of children.