Question of the week: What's one of your favourite thing about Christmas in London? "Every year on Christmas the Queen releases her Christmas Message to the Commonwealth, highlighting the events of the year and thanking all of the people of the Commonwealth for their continued support. It isn't usually very long, and it generally doesn't make any political or religious or social points that change the British world view, but it is emotionally very important to lots of people around the world.
The first Royal Christmas Message was broadcast in 1932 by the Queen's grandfather, George V, over the then very new medium of radio. It was short, but very successful, and there has been a Christmas Message each year (less two, 1936 and 1938) since then. In 1957 the Broadcast moved from radio to TV, and it was taped in advance, so that it could be played at a convenient time in each Commonwealth Country. (So, theoretically, the Queen could watch herself making the Broadcast from her own living room.)
I know that for us, watching the Queen's Christmas Message is now an integral part of Christmas Day. It lets us take a break from the cooking and eating and think about wider things. James was very upset when he thought that he wouldn't be able to see the Christmas Broadcast when we had our first Christmas in the US, but due to You Tube and BBC America he was not left wanting. (It actually saved Christmas!)
So, if you're flipping through channels on Christmas day, or searching for something to watch on You Tube, see if you can find this year's Christmas Message. Watch it, and you'll be joining people all over the world in a Christmas tradition.
For previous Christmas Messages and more information see the official website."
- Kris
* Photo by bowbrick, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.
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