“I have two children of my own … who are full of happy wonder at the German Christmas tree and its radiant candles.”

Ellen vividly describes her nine-month stay in London in 1838-1839, at the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign.

Inspired by the Rockingham Service first used in 1838 at the coronation banquet of Queen Victoria, which is still in use today.

Because almost anything young Victoria and Albert did became the rage, many of their holiday customs and Christmas trees were duplicated.