From the humble mince pie to decorating a festive tree, the royal family are at the heart of many Christmas Day traditions celebrated in the country today. It is Queen Charlotte, the German-born wife of George III, who is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to the UK. The Christmas tree was actually popularised by Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert, who presented large numbers of trees to schools and Army barracks. Henry II, who ruled from 1154 to 1189, ate boar's head, pickled in brine and stuffed, braised and roasted, at his banquets, according to the Royal Collection book A Royal Christmas, which explores how the royals have celebrated Christmas through the ages. According to A Royal Christmas, until the 19th century, gifts were actually exchanged on New Year's Day, in a tradition dating back to the 13th century.

Source: Daily Mail December 25, 2018 00:33 UTC