These are the royals’ favourite Christmas traditions… from signing cards in the summer to opening presents a day early
The royals are just like any other family and like to celebrate the festive season in their own special way
ALL families have their own traditions and customs when it comes to celebrating Christmas.
And the royals are no different as they like to celebrate the festive season in their own special way.
From having a family football match, to all attending church before sitting down to a lavish dinner - a royal Christmas is a busy holiday.
Here we've rounded up some of the best and strangest festive traditions that take place every year at Sandringham.
Christmas starts early
The Queen sends over 800 Christmas cards every year to people ranging from heads of state to her personal friends and distant members of her family.
And as she personally signs all of them, it can be a lengthy process to get through.
That way she can enjoy Christmas without a mad rush to make sure they make the last post.
Bringing their own food
Every year, the royals gather at the Queen's Sandringham estate to celebrate the festive season - but they rarely turn up empty handed.
Family footy
In a fairly new tradition which started around 10 years ago, Princes William and Harry pull on their football boots for a competitive Christmas Eve kick-about with their mates and staff who work on the estate.
The younger princes including Wills and Harry then like to enjoy a pint of Sandringham cider.
Off to church
The royals never forget the true meaning of Christmas and at 11am on the day itself, they make the short journey to St Mary Magadelene Church.
The Queen is always driven there first, where she reportedly receives a private communion from her chaplain.
The rest of the clan then follow on foot and often greet the hundreds of well-wishers who come out to catch a glimpse of them each year.
Christmas games
Like most families, the royals sit down to a traditional turkey dinner before all gathering around a TV at 3pm to watch the Queen's Christmas message.
And again like most families, they then crack out the board games for family bonding time.
Then as the day draws to a close, the Sandringham ballroom is transformed into a mini-movie theatre and a projector screen shows a festive film.
A very long holiday
While most people's festivities draw to a close after Boxing Day, the royals carry on celebrating.
In fact, the Queen and Prince Philip often stay on at Sandringham until early February and all festive decorations stay in place until then.
This is to honour Her Majesty's late dad George VI, who died at the estate on February 6, 1952.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, we revealed Prince George’s favourite movie… and it’s a very fitting choice.
We also told you why Princess Charlotte’s future kids WON’T get royal titles but Prince George’s will.