Christmas always held a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Russians. Everyone, young and old, joined in the preparations. In high society, the celebration was abundant with numerous presents and tables brimming with festive dishes. Simpler households marked the season more quietly. Yet, the joy of Christmastide bound everyone together.
In the imperial household of Nicholas II, Christmas preparations began months in advance. Tsarskoye Selo was the family’s most beloved retreat. According to Anna Vyrubova’s recollections, “three Christmas trees adorned their residence: one downstairs in Empress Alexandra Feodorovna’s large drawing room, the second upstairs in the nursery, and the third upstairs in the corridor for the palace servants. The first tree to be lit was in the nursery.” The magnificent decorations on the tree, and the presents piled beneath it, delighted the children especially. They made merry, forgetting all about strict ceremonies.
The Grand Duchesses, accustomed to industriousness, made presents with their own hands for their parents, each other, and friends at Christmas. Alexandra Feodorovna, too, found pleasure in needlework. She often embroidered church vestments and other liturgical items, a pastime she loved. Emperor Nicholas II was a deeply religious man and spent much time in prayer. The family shared an exceptional bond: the children adored their parents, who, in turn, loved them with a sacrificial love.
The imperial family with their children
It seemed this life would last forever. But then came February 1917, followed by October. Events in Russia turned swiftly. After his abdication, Tsar Nicholas II was exiled to Tobolsk with his family. In this faraway Siberian town, they would celebrate their last Christmas.
That winter was brutally cold. The royal family occupied the second floor of the governor’s house. Space was tight, but they leaned on each other for support. In a letter to A. Vyrubova, the Empress shared her thoughts: “The family members are so brave and good and they never complain. The little one is an angel. I have lunch with him, and breakfast too... our belongings have been taken and ruined. God is everything, and nature never changes... I feel like the mother of this country, and I suffer as for my own child, and I love my Homeland, despite all the horrors now and all the sins. You know that love cannot be torn from my heart, nor can Russia, despite the black ingratitude to the sovereign, which tears my heart apart — but it’s not the whole country. It is an illness, after which it will grow stronger. Lord, have mercy and save Russia!..”
Grand Duchesses in exile
As Christmas drew near, the frosts intensified. Even with the stove lit, the house’s temperature struggled to rise above 12 degrees, and the grand duchesses’ room felt like an icehouse. Still, the entire family prepared for Christmas, making presents with whatever resources they had.
The young princesses busied themselves with needlework, crafting gifts of embroidery for all those sharing their confined existence. Among their creations, Tatiana Nikolaevna’s work shone brightly, drawing admiration from all. Her skill was matched by her impeccable taste. Meanwhile, Alexandra Feodorovna, her fingers numb with cold, knitted woollen vests.
The adults understood their predicament but found the strength to maintain a sense of calm for the children, who bubbled with anticipation for the coming celebration. Olga Nikolaevna confided in a friend, “The Feast is upon us. A fir tree stands in the corner of the hall, filling the air with its delightful scent… There are no decorations, only silver tinsel and wax candles — church ones, of course, as no others exist here… The vigil began around ten, and the tree glowed brightly. It was lovely and cosy…” Pierre Gilliard, tutor to the Tsarevich Alexei, recalled, “So, we reached Christmas. Her Majesty distributed hand-knitted woollen vests, a touching way of expressing her gratitude to those who remained loyal. On 24 December, Old Style, a priest arrived to serve the vigil at home. All gathered afterwards in the main hall, and it brought the children joy to hand out their ‘surprises’ to us. We felt a deep unity, like one large family; everyone endeavoured to set aside the sadness and worry, to relish those peaceful moments of heartfelt fellowship. The following day, on Christmas Day itself, we went to church. At the priest’s blessing, the deacon proclaimed ‘Many Years’ for the royal family. It was a blunder… The guards, under threat of death, demanded the priest be removed. The incident cast a shadow over what could have been a happy memory. It led to new humiliating restrictions and tighter surveillance.”
The Tsar and his son saw wood
However, on 1 January, Old Style, the family were permitted to attend the morning service. A new priest officiated, the previous one, Father A. Vasiliev, was banished to the Abalak Monastery, for the Christmas Day mishap.
We now know the fate that befell Emperor Nicholas II and his family. They met their murderers’ judgement without panic or pleas for mercy. “They had nothing left to give but their lives. They chose to surrender them rather than bargain with the enemy, who had destroyed their homeland, stealing its honour. And death came. But it refused to separate them, so closely bound by life, and it took all seven, united by a single faith and a shared love” — this is how they remained in the memories of those close to them...
The Icon of the Royal Martyrs
Today, as we stand before the icon of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers, we ask for their prayers and give thanks for their example of courage, loyalty, and love. Our heartfelt wish this Christmas is for every family to gather around the festive table, together as one. Let children find their way to their family home no matter how far they may roam, and bring gifts of love and devotion to their parents and one another. In this way, a longstanding Christmas tradition will be passed down through the generations, filled with its original, God-given meaning.
Material prepared by the team of obitel-minsk.ru
