Source:
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
The letter:
Livadia
Xmas day 1900
Darling Chicken,
Such loving thanks to you and Sandro for the sweet little locket wh I am wearing. You must give me a tiny head of yourself to put into it.
I do hope you felt well enough to enjoy the tree at Gatchina. It was sad not being to-gether, but never the less we spent our evening happily and without headaches for a wonder.
At 4 o'clock I went with the Children into the red saloon downstairs and gave the maids and servants their presents under a large tree. Then, at 4.30 the Children had theirs in the nursery. I had dressed it with the ladies. Baby was quite enchanted as it turned and played Xmas Carrols. They were delighted with all their toys and very merry.
Then I sent the ladies their presents and a pretty tree we had dressed, and poor Власенко also had a wee tree we had arranged. At 7 we went to Church, i. e. we stood in the sacristy as usual. During that time our tree had been arranged and we dined under it à deux. Then we arranged our presents wh there were many and lovely ones. Nicky thanks tenderly for his links.
It is raining and quite dull weather. Our rooms are full of holly and bunches of mistletoe.
I cannot write any more now, as we must be off to Church with the Children. Marie is on leave, Tegleva in bed with Influenza, and Шура has a colossally swollen cheek.
With all my heart I kiss you and wish you joy and good health. Best love to Sandro from us both. Goodbye and God bless you, darling Chicken.
Ever yr devoted old
Hen
I hope the covers for Ѳеодоръ and Никита will be useful. Would you like me to make for the other two, or have they got their own?
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.
Above: Xenia.
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