Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 26, 1893

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 311 to 312, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

Königliches Schloss
Kiel
December 26th 1893
My darling Grandmama,
Please accept my very warmest thanks for Your presents and good wishes. The Brooch is quite too lovely, the Florence turquoise in diamond setting, I have worn it and it has been greatly admired. The little Sketchbook with Paintbox is delightful and will be most useful.

I do hope you spent a pleasant Xmas, here it was very nice and all were most kind. Having Charlotte, Bernhard and Feo in the house makes it so lively, tho' one cannot help having one's sad thoughts when one thinks of the happy bygone time.

Beloved Grandmama, let me now wish You every possible happiness and blessing in the New Year — may it be full of sunshine for You and our heavenly Father keep every cloud from You.

I cannot help dreading always the coming of the New Year as one never knows what is in store for one, God grant that it may be full of joy and happiness for my darling Ernie and the sweet little Wife whom he is soon going to fetch. Now I long for my precious One more than ever, how happy he would have been to see Ernie happy and what a comfort it would have been to me, as life will indeed be very different for me, as I shall be feeling myself de trop.

But I must not bother You with a long letter, as I am sure You have a lot to do.

Kissing Your dear Hand most tenderly, and again wishing you much joy,
I remain, Darling Grandmama dear,
Ever Your very loving, grateful and dutiful Child,
Alix

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 26, 1892

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 289 to 291, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

Königliches Schloss, Kiel
December 26th 1892
My own darling Grandmama,
I send You my most loving and heartfelt thanks for the lovely bracelet with my beloved Papa's head — nothing could have given me greater pleasure and I shall wear it constantly. Also for 'Tennyson's Works' and the sweet little Card, most tender thanks.

I received many lovely Presents, amongst others, a beautiful bracelet from Ernie, aranged out of buttons belonging to dear Papa, which makes it of course more valuable to me, he always knows how to give one pleasure, and I am sure there never was a dearer and kinder Brother.

It is such a comfort being able to spend Xmas here, as it would have been too painful the first time alone at home, but nevertheless it was hard going away from the Rosenhöhe.

Darling Grandmama, I hope You are spending these days happily with all the Relations and though we are not able to be with You, my thoughts, prayers and most earnest and tenderest wishes for the New Year are surounding You.

There is one thing I wanted to tell You still. I have had a formal invitation to go to Berlin for Mossy's wedding and Ernie thought it right that I should accept it as I have already been asked for the other occasion the last years and did not go. Finger also thinks it right I should go being the only Hessian Princess. I must say I dread it teribly, as I have a great dislike of such large festivities, and especially now that I have lost my own sweet darling Papa, but it must be, and I pray God may give me strength to do my duty. Ernie wrote to Aunt Vicky to ask her whether she would take me into her house instead of him, so as that I could be under her protection, and she has kindly agreed to it. Irène being also in the house will make it so much pleasanter for me, as if I had to live in the Schloss with all the guests, and no married nearer Relation, it would not have been so easy and far more tiring, as one would perpetually have to be running up and down.

It is bitterly cold to-day and snowing fast, regular Xmas weather.

But I must end my letter now, as a long letter is in the way, when I fear You must be having very much to do.

Thanking You again many times for the lovely presents and with my very tenderest wishes that the New Year may bring You much joy and happiness and good health, I remain, Darling Grandmama dear, Your ever deeply devoted, loving and grateful Child
Alix
God bless and protect You!
Many a loving and tender kiss for my dearest Grandmama

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 22, 1892

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 288 to 289, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

December 22nd 1892
My darling Grandmama,
I send you my most loving thanks for Your dear letter, which Bäuerlein brought me, You must please forgive my not having answered it before now, as also Your other kind note, but I was not well enough. I am so much better now, only must be still careful — I shall certainly do as You wish and consult an other Doctor, a specialist. Dr. Eigenbrodt thinks it also a very good thing I should do so. It is such a nuisance having perpetually something, and people imagine immediately it being something terrible, which is not in the least the case.

It was such a pleasure having dear Ella here, but alas her stay was too short.

The Christening went off beautifully yesterday, and the dear little Baby was so good and quiet, only smiling, and quite awake.

We leave to-morrow evening for Kiel, one dreads Xmas and the beginning of a new year as that is just the time one longs to have all one's dear ones close by, and one feels the loss of those that have been taken away, more than ever.

I wish we could have taken Victoria with us, but she did not like traveling at this time of year with such a small Baby. We shall be back next week, so as to begin the New Year here.

I have worked You an other chair, like the one I gave You on Your Birthday, and hope You will find it useful for one of the cottages. The little card is to bring You my most tender good wishes for Xmas.
Kissing Your dear Hand most affectionately, I remain, Beloved Grandmama,
Ever Your most loving and dutiful Child,
Alix

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 25, 1888

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 36 to 37, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

Darmstadt
Xmas Day
Dearest Grandmama,
I was delighted with all the lovely Presents and send You my most loving thanks for them.

I wore my fur this morning at Church and it looked very pretty.

It was so very kind of You, dear Grandmama to give me that nice Shakespeare, which I shall prize immensely.

Irène is looking well, and it makes Xmas all the merrier to have her with us.

Hoping that You have spent a pleasant Xmas, and that the New Year will be a very happy one to You and dear Aunty, I remain Dearest Grandmama, Your most grateful and loving Child
Alix

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 25, 1884

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 15 to 16, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

Darmstadt
Xmas Day
Dearest Grandmama,
I was delighted with all the lovely Presents and send You my most loving thanks for them.

I wore my fur this morning at Church and it looked very pretty.

It was so very kind of You, dear Grandmama to give me that nice Shakespeare, which I shall prize immensely.

Irène is looking well, and it makes Xmas all the merrier to have her with us.

Hoping that You have spent a pleasant Xmas, and that the New Year will be a very happy one to You and dear Aunty, I remain Dearest Grandmama, Your most grateful and loving Child
Alix

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 22, 1883

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, page 13, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

December 22nd
Dearest Grandmama
I hope you will like the Banner Screen we have worked, and that it will be useful. All our invalids are better — and Ella has already been out driving. We all thought Irène looking very well & plump.

Wishing you and dear Auntie a very happy Christmas.
I am, dearest Grandmama
Your loving & dutiful grandchild
Alix

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 26, 1879

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, page 10, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

December 26th
Dearest Grandmama
Many many thanks for the dear presents you were so kind as to send me. I am delighted with the Doll's Tea Service. The brooch pleases me, too. Very much. I thank you for all and with many kisses. I am, Dearest Grandmama, Your most loving and Grateful Child,
Alix.
I wish you a happy new year
Kisses

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated December 20, 1879

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 9 to 10, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

December 20th 1879
Dearest Grandmama,
I wish you a very happy Christmas and still happier new year —

I send much love and many many kisses to you and Aunties & Uncles. I am learning to knit mittens for poor people.
Goodbye, dearest Grandmama,
Your loving Grandchild
Alix

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Alexandra's letter to Marie Feodorovna, dated Christmas Day 1900

Source:

George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0tn1ViafsyN4qtfHp2p4FqvpDyfhF7sdYpP59UaXSpuZAzqXKx2oaT1YESZPgGUc9l&id=100067001081671&mibextid=Nif5oz

The letter:

Livadia
Xmas Day 1900
My darling Motherdear,
How can I ever thank you enough for your lovely presents. Really you spoil one so. The beautiful brooch I am wearing now. A tender kiss for all. And the Children thank you ever so much for their lots of charming toys, with which they were perfectly enchanted. The books shall only be shown them on quite special occasions, so as to keep them as remembrances with dear Amama's handwriting.

Baby was so happy with their turning tree and that it played. Nothing can be nicer than seeing Children under a Xmas tree, and it reminds one so vividly of one's Childhood.

It was very sad not being with you at Гатчина and our thoughts wandered there constantly. But I really think it was so much wiser Ники remained here, owing to your council. Tho' I can imagine what it must have cost you making that proposition. You are longing for him I am sure, especially since his illness. You will be satisfied with his looks when we bring him back to you, I am sure, he is getting quite plump and has a splendid appetite.

We dined under our Xmas tree at 8 after Church, and than arranged our many beautiful presents. It seems too strange spending Xmas here and having such warm weather. But to-day it is grey and rainy. Ники takes long walks and short rides, alas alone, as I have not been able to get out of the house since almost two weeks on account of my stupid cough.

We miss dear Xenia so much as we were so constantly to-gether.

From Grandmama I have better news, tho' she has been far from well. Her nerves were in such a state that she could not sleep, eat badly and was very weak. She has to rest much. It is very sad being so far away, I have not seen her for over four years — we never were near so long seperated and she was always kindness and dearness itself to me, ever since I can remember. God grant she may be spared to us still many a year.

Thanks so much for your kind telegram, telling me that you had seen Ernie and Ducky. It is very disappointing knowing them at Царское and not being there, but I hope it will not be too long before we all meet again in Petersburg.

But I must say Goodbye now, as it is time to go to Church and Ники and the little girlies are waiting. Once more, very fondest thanks for the lovely presents. With all my heart I wish you a pleasant Xmastide and good health.
Kissing you ever so tenderly, beloved Motherdear, I remain Your deeply loving Child
Alix

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev.

Above: Alexandra with Olga, Tatiana and Maria. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Above: Marie Feodorovna with Xenia.

Note: Alexandra's grandmother, Queen Victoria, tragically passed away at Osborne House on January 9/22 (New Style), 1901, at the age of 81. Her state funeral was held on February 2, and she was buried at Frogmore Mausoleum on February 4. Alexandra was devastated at not being able to go to England to attend either event and say her final goodbyes to her grandmother, who had been like a mother to her ever since she was six years old. Victoria had reigned for 63 years and was the longest reigning monarch in British history and the longest reigning queen regnant in world history until she was surpassed in 2015 by her great-great-granddaughter, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022 at age 96 during the 70th year of her own reign.

Alexandra's letter to Xenia, dated Christmas Day 1900

Source:

George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid036AqURXUUughmLUMGH2eUFDMSm7DFJjGEUgXYGUgr6ZWzDKt6w4qqNZB42FnnzLcol&id=100067001081671&mibextid=Nif5oz

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.

Tatiana's letter to Olga Voronova, dated December 30, 1915

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_50057

The letter:

Царское Село. 1915. 30 декабря.

Ольга душка моя дорогая,

Шлю Вам мои самые горячие пожелания всего светлого и радостного в Новом году. Дай Бог, что бы этот принёс бы Вам много счастья и скорей бы кончил эту ужасную войну. Спасибо Вам за Ваше письмо и поздравления. — Хотела Вам написать и поздравить с вчерашним днём, да не успела. — Очень грустно что Папа уехал сегодня. — Но так было хорошо что он был тут на Ёлке. — Часто ли пишет Вам Ваш муж? — У нас в лазарете находится мичман С(нрзб) (не знаю как пишется). У него вывих правого плеча, но слава Богу уже лучше. Ему уже повязку сняли и начали массаж так что наверно скоро и уедет. Я его никогда раньше не видала. Положим (?) там теперь много новых которых мы не знали. Ездим днём на Ёлки в разные лазареты.

Ну, досвиданья Ольга душка. Когда будете писать мужу кланяйтесь пожалуйста от меня. Вас же крепко, крепко целую.

Ваша Татьяна.

English translation (my own):

Tsarskoe Selo. 1915. December 30.

Olga my darling dear,

I send you my warmest wishes for a bright and joyful New Year. God grant that this would bring you a lot of happiness and soon end this terrible war. Thank you for your letter and congratulations. — I wanted to write to you and congratulate you on yesterday, but I didn't have time. It is very sad that Papa left today. — But it was so good that he was here for the Christmas party. How often does your husband write to you? — We have midshipman S[...] in the infirmary (I don't know how to spell it).  He has a dislocation of his right shoulder, but thank God he's better now.  He has already removed the bandage and started the massage, so he will probably leave soon. I have never seen him before. We put (?) there are now many new ones that we did not know. During the day we go to Christmas parties at different infirmaries.

Well, goodbye Olga darling. When you write to your husband, please bow from me. I kiss you firmly, firmly.

Your Tatiana.

Above: Alexandra and Tatiana.

Olga's letter to Olga Voronova, dated December 28, 1914

Source:

Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_17371

The letter:

28го Декабря.

1914 г.

Ц. С.

Ольга милая моя!

Поздравляю Вас от всей души днем рождения Вашего мужа. Пошли ему Господь во всем счастья и да хранит Он его на это тяжелое время. Мысленно с Вами. Большое спасибо за милое письмо. Вчера днем мы ездили на ёлку в инвалидный дом. После обошли раненых. Там тоже устроен лазарет. Оттуда мы поехали в Большой Дворец, куда ездим ежедневно в 4 ч. Там более 30 раненых офицеров. Мама до сих пор не хорошо себя чувствует и с тех пор что вернулась никуда еще не могла съездить, что очень грустно. Папа выздоровел, но еще не выходит.

Ну, досвиданья Ольга душка. Господь с Вами. Крепко и нежно Вас целую.

Ваша Ольга.

English translation (my own):

December 28th.

1914.

Ts. S.

My dear Olga!

I congratulate you with all my heart on your husband's birthday. May the Lord send him happiness in everything and may He keep him during this difficult time. Am mentally with you. Thanks a lot for the nice letter. Yesterday afternoon we went to the Christmas party in the invalids' home. Afterwards we walked around the wounded. There is also an infirmary there. From there we went to the Big Palace, where we go every day at 4 o'clock. There are more than 30 wounded officers. Mama still does not feel well and since she returned she could not go anywhere, which is very sad. Papa has recovered but does not go out yet.

Well, goodbye Olga darling. The Lord be with you. I kiss you firmly and tenderly.

Your Olga.

Above: Alexandra with Olga and Tatiana in their nursing uniforms.

Above: Olga.

Above: Olga Voronova.

Maria's letter to Olga Voronova, dated December 29, 1914

Source:

Antonina Malysheva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_32145

The 1,300th post on this blog!

The letter:

29го Дек. 1914 г.

Моя дорогая и милая Ольга!

Спасибо Вам большое за Ваше письмо. Вы как живете одна, или с кем-нибудь из сестер? Мы каждый день ходим в лазареты на елки. —

На днях мы были на елке у Мама в школе нянь. Там теперь много детей запасных такие душки что ужас. Мы им всем дали игрушки и они им радовались, и каждый показывал своей няне что он получил. — Они такие аппетитные. Там есть совсем маленькие, некоторым даже только две недели. Я ужасно люблю маленьких детей, и с ними играть носить на руках. А Вы любите?

Ольга и Татьяна уже с 10 часов на перевязках. Анастасия тут же сидит в комнате и читает новую книгу которую она получила на елку.

Крепко Вас целую моя Ольга душка и люблю.

Ваша

Мария.

Анастасия Вас тоже очень крепко целует. — Если будете писать мужу, очень кланяйтесь от меня.

English translation (my own):

Dec. 29th 1914

My dear and sweet Olga!

Thank you very much for your letter. How do you live alone, or with one of the sisters? Every day we go to the infirmaries for Christmas parties. —

The other day we were at Mama's Christmas party at the nanny school. There are now a lot of spare children, such darlings. We gave them all toys and they were happy with them, and everyone showed his nanny what he got. — They are so appetising. There are very little ones, some even only two weeks old. I am terribly fond of small children, and carry them in my arms to play with. Do you like them?

Olga and Tatiana have been in dressings since 10 o'clock. Anastasia immediately sits in the room and reads a new book that she received for the Christmas party.

I kiss you firmly, my dear Olga, and I love you.

Your

Maria.

Anastasia also kisses you very firmly. — If you write to your husband, send him very many regards from me.

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia.

Olga Voronova's letter to Tatiana, dated December 9, 1914

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_48897

The letter:

Петроград.

9го дек.

1914

Дорогая и милая моя Татьяна Николаевна,

От души благодарю Вас за милое длинное письмо. Ужасно была рада его получить. Мне тоже очень грустно, что мы давно не виделись. Хорошая ли у Вас была поездка?

Вы спрашивали, дорогая Татьяна Николаевна, где лазарет Мама. Он на Захарьевской 18. Мама просит Вам передать, что она будет ужасно счастлива и благодарна, если Ее Величество разрешит Вам и Ольге Николаевне когда-нибудь посетить ее маленький лазарет. На посещение Ее Величества Мама, конечно, не смеет рассчитывать, но будет очень благодарна и рада, если Ее Величество разрешит Вам приехать. Мы там часто бываем. Мама хочет на Праздниках устроить солдатам елку и купить всякие смешные вещи и сюрпризы. Они тоже иногда как дети и из всякие глупости забавляют.

Кто Вам подарил собаку? Эти французские буль ужасные уроды, но такие душки. Правда? Очень крепко Вас, моя дорогая Татьяна Николаевна, целую. Мама и сестры Вам очень кланяются. Горячо Вас любящая всей душой Ваша

Ольга Воронова.

English translation (my own):

Petrograd.

Dec. 9th

1914

My dear and sweet Tatiana Nikolaevna,

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your nice long letter. I was terribly happy to receive it. I am also very sad that we have not seen each other for a long time. Did you have a good trip?

You asked, dear Tatiana Nikolaevna, where is Mama's infirmary. It is at Zakharyevskaya 18. Mama asks me to tell you that she will be terribly happy and grateful if Her Majesty will allow you and Olga Nikolaevna to visit her little infirmary someday. Mama, of course, does not dare to count on a visit from Her Majesty, but she will be very grateful and happy if Her Majesty allows you to come. We go there often. Mama wants to arrange a Christmas party for the soldiers during the Holidays and buy all sorts of funny things and surprises. They too are sometimes like children and amuse with all sorts of nonsense.

Who gave you the dog? Those French bulldogs are terrible freaks, but such darlings. Right? I kiss you very firmly, my dear Tatiana Nikolaevna. Mama and sisters bow to you very much. Warmly loving you with all my soul

Olga Voronova.

Above: Alexandra with Olga and Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.

Note: Tatiana had gotten a French bulldog puppy from Dmitri Malama, a patient at the infirmary. The puppy was named Ortipo.

Tatiana's letter to Olga Voronova, dated December 13, 1914

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_48897

Alexandra's letter of the previous day to Nicholas:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2020/07/alexandras-letter-to-nicholas-dated_41.html

Alexandra's letter of the next day to Nicholas:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2020/07/alexandras-letter-to-nicholas-dated_20.html

The letter:

Царское Село.

13го Декабря.

Дорогая милая моя Ольга,

Спасибо Вам большое за Ваше милое письмо.

Съездили хорошо. Массу лазаретов посетили. Каждый день по два или три. Мама очень устала конечно и сильный насморк. У Марии ангина небольшая, ужасно скучно. — Я ужасно довольна вернуться и снова ездить в наш лазарет.

Пишет ли Вам Ваш муж и где он теперь? По моему они где-то в другом месте но где не знаю.

Как грустно Вам наверно, первое Рождество не прочести вместе с Вашим мужем. В Москве последний день было чудное солнце, но холодно. Остальные дни все сыро и туманно.

К сожалению Папа с нами не вернулся и приедет в среду кажется т. к. он поехал в Ставку.

Как Вы себе чувствуете?

Ну, досвиданья. Крепко и нежно целую Вас дорогая Ольга как люблю.

Всей душой Ваша

Татьяна.

English translation (my own):

Tsarskoe Selo.

December 13th.

My dear sweet Olga,

Thank you very much for your nice letter.

We went well. We visited masses of infirmaries. Every day two or three. Mama was very tired of course and had a bad cold. Maria has a bit sore throat, terribly boring. I'm terribly happy to be back and to go to our infirmary again.

Does your husband write to you and where is he now? I think they are somewhere else, but I don't know where.

How sad you must be, not spending the first Christmas with your husband. In Moscow the last day there was wonderful sun, but cold. The rest of the days are all damp and foggy.

Unfortunately Papa did not return with us and will arrive on Wednesday it seems because he has gone to Stavka.

How do you feel?

Well, goodbye. I kiss you firmly and tenderly dear Olga as I love you.

With all my soul

Tatiana.

Above: Alexandra with Olga and Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.

Tatiana's letter to Olga Voronova, dated December 25, 1914

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_48924

The letter:

Царское Село.

25го Декабря 1914.

Спасибо Вам большое за Ваше милое письмо и вещи. Прошу Вас очень поблагодарить Вашего мужа за поздравления. —

Сегодня будет Елка в нашем лазарете у офицеров и мы туда поедем. —

У нас Елка была вчера днем.

Теперь у нас будет много Елок, для раненых и других.

Пожалуйста поздравьте от меня Вашу Мама и сестер. Мама наша страшно устала и сердце не хорошо т. к. ей пришлось все время вставать с кровати (когда надо было лежать) и всем выбирала и устраивала подарки, когда и без того плохо себя чувствовала.

Где Тата живет, в Петрограде или тут, и где? Т. к. мы когда теперь благодарили ее за письма не знаем куда адресовать потому и адресуем Вам.

Ну, досвиданья моя Ольга душка. Желаю Вам всего всего хорошего в Новом Году. Буду о Вас думать и поздравлять за 29 на рождение Вашего мужа.

Крепко и нежно Вас целую родная моя целую.

Всем сердцем Ваша

Татьяна.

English translation (my own):

Tsarskoe Selo.

December 25th, 1914.

Thank you very much for your lovely letter and things. I ask you to thank your husband very much for the congratulations. —

Today there will be a Christmas tree in our infirmary with the officers and we will go there. —

We had a Christmas party yesterday afternoon.

Now we will have a lot of Christmas parties, for the wounded and others.

Please congratulate your Mama and sisters from me. Our Mama was terribly tired and her heart was not good, because she had to get out of bed all the time (when she had to lie down) and chose and arranged gifts for everyone when she already felt bad.

Where does Tata live, in Petrograd or here, and where? Because when we now thanked her for her letters, we don't know where to address, and so we address you.

Well, goodbye, my dear Olga. I wish you all the best in the New Year. I will think about you and congratulate you for the 29th on your husband's birthday.

I kiss you firmly and tenderly, my dear.

With all my heart

Tatiana.

Above: Alexandra with Tatiana.

Note: Tata = Natalia K. Kleinmichel.

Alexandra's letter to Toni Becker, dated December 8/20, 1897

Source:

Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt

The letter:

Zarskoe.

8/20. Dez. 1897

Liebste Toni,

Meine herzlichsten Glückwünsche zu einem frohen Weihnachtsfest mit Deinem lieben Manne & meinem Sandro. Ich schicke ihm Spielsachen & dann 6 silberne Gabeln, alljährlich werde ich ihm Silber geben für seinen späteren Haushalt. Die rothe Tischdecke ist Moskauer Arbeit. Auf der Photographie siehst Du Tatiana als sie 2 Monate alt war. — Ich denke viel an Dich & freue mich immer wenn Deine lieben Briefe kommen — sei mir nicht böse, dass ich so selten schreibe, aber wirklich die Zeit fehlt mir — die Kinder nehmen mich viel in Ansprach, da ich Tatiana noch 3mal täglich stille. — Schone Dich nur ordentlich, damit alles gut geht & ermüde Dich nur nicht — ich freue mich unendlich für Dich, dass Dir ein zweiter Schatz bescheert werden soll. —

Nun Addio, es umarmt Dich.

Deine treuste

Freundin

Alix

English translation (my own):

Zarskoe.

8/20. Dec. 1897

Dearest Toni,

My warmest congratulations on a merry Christmas with your dear husband & my Sandro. I send him toys & then 6 silver forks, every year I will give him silver for his future household. The red tablecloth is a Moscou work. On the photograph you see Tatiana when she was 2 months old. — I think of you a lot & am always happy when your lovely letters come — don't be angry that I write so seldom, but I really don't have the time — the Children appeal to me a lot as I still nurse Tatiana 3 times a day. — Don't overexert yourself, so that everything goes well, & don't tire yourself out — I am so happy for you that you are about to be given a second Treasure. —

Now Addio, a good embrace.

Your most faithful

friend

Alix

Above: Alexandra with Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Ilya Chishko.

Note: Toni was pregnant with her son Waldemar.

Olga's letter to Alexandra, dated Christmas 1911

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_24550

The letter:

God bless You my very sweet Mama dear on this Xmas, & give You health, and happiness. Give You this postcard to remind You of Шт, & our dear Friend there so far from here.

Kiss You heartily.

Ever yr. very own

loving and true daughter

Olga

Xmas 1911.

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Olga.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Note: Alexandra and her children always referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".