The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-01-25
QUEEN vIcToRIA's GIFTS.
She Makes "A Large Number on Christ
mas, hut They Are Generai-
ly simple.

Simplicity does not always dwell in
the cottage, nor its opposite in the
palace. Household Words some time
ago gave an interesting picture of
Queen Victoria's observance of Christ
mas. Since the death of the prince con-
sort the holiday has always been spent
at Osborne, in the Isle OF Wight. There
the queen makes arrangements for her
Christmas gifts and greetings; and a
long list she has, for no member Of her
large family is forgotten, and all her
friends and ministers receive greet
ings from her.
She invariably writes to ex-Empress
Eugene and ex-Queen Isabella of
Spain. The late Lord Beaconsfield oft
en- received present from her, and
Lord Salisbury is honored in the same
way. Christmas presents 60 10 all her
ladies and gentlemen in waiting, and
the more humble servitors are not for
gotten. Every royal servant receives
a gift from the queen at Christmas.
She sends cards to her former maids of
honor, and musicians.
The queens taste in cards is not gov
erned by fashion She does not care for
the private cards bearing a printed
greeting, now so fashionable, but pre-
fers to select suitable card for each
recipient. For her immediate relatives
she chooses a simple card on which, for
specially favored one, she paints
rose, lily, or some unpretentious de-
sign, with a Christmas greeting in her
own flowing handwriting.
Her actual gifts are on as simple
scale as the cards. She does not favor
expensive presents, but prefers to give
and receive tokens slight in themselves
but expressive of the good wishes and
affection of the donor.
Her majesty is very fond Of knitting
straw plating, and crocheting with
large ivory hook and soft Shetland
wool; and the quilts, muffiers, mittens,
and hats made by the royal hands are
greatly priced by the members of her
family. Flower epergnes, dainty bon
bon dishes, photograph frames, and
beautifully bound books figure largely
in the queens list of presents.
Tradesmen who by royal warrant are
"purveyors to her majesty" forward
to the queen large consignments Of
articles suitable for Christmas presents,
and from these she can select all she
requires. 1t often happens, however
that pretty advertisement in one of
the weekly journals will bring a COM
mand for a selection of the goods to
be sent to the queen. followed by sub
stantial order, even when the firm is
not a warrant holder.
To her younger nephews and grand
sons the queen gives handsome tips
and TO the girls dress lengths of fine
stuff, with the direction that the dress
is to be made up as the recipient
pleases, and the bill forwarded to her
majesty.
To a favorite grandchild the queen
will sometimes send a fine uncut jewel,
with the message that it is to be set as
the receiver chooses, as "grandmamma
does not know the latest fashion in
jewelry, but will be pleased TO pay the
bill for the setting"
Whoever else is forgotten. the queen
always remembers her old servants at
Christmas. Those who were in her
service before the death Of the prince
consort are specially favored. They
are allowed to choose for themselves
some article of silver plate, and on
Christmas day they receive their pres
ent. accompanied by large, black -bor-
dered card bearing the touching in
.scription: With good wishes from
Her Majesty and Prince Consort."-
London Household Words.