em on the
tables under the trees. The monarch always takes an active part in
this work, and, walking about briskly from one table to the other,
helps to place the objects in the most advantageous positions, and
fastens on them slips of white paper on which he himself has written
the names of the recipients. The Empress is also present, occupied
with arranging the presents for the ladies of her own household. The
two separate tables still remain empty, until the Emperor and the
Empress have left the room, as they are destined to hold the presents
for their Majesties.

At four o'clock the entire Royal Family assemble in the large
dining-hall of the Palace for their Christmas dinner. Besides all the
Princes and Princesses without exception, the members of the Imperial
household, the chiefs of the Emperor's military and civil Cabinets,
and a number of adjutants are also present.

Shortly after the termination of the dinner the double doors leading
to the blue hall are thrown wide open at a sign from the Emperor, and
the brilliant sight of the twelve great fir-trees bearing thousands of
lighted tapers is disclosed to view. This is the great moment of the
German Christmas Eve celebration. The Imperial couples then form in
procession, and all proceed to the Christmas room. The Emperor and the
Empress then personally lead the members of their households to the
presents which are grouped in long rows on the tables, and which
comprise hundreds of articles, both valuable and useful, objects of
art, pictures, statuary, &c. Meanwhile, the two separate tables still
remain hidden under white draperies. In other rooms all the officials
and servants of the palace, down to the youngest stable-boy, are
presented with their Christmas-boxes. At about nine o'clock the
Imperial Family and their guests again return to the dining-room,
where a plain supper is then served. According to old tradition, the
menu always includes the following dishes: "Carp cooked in beer" (a
Polish custom), and "Mohnpielen," an East Prussian dish, composed of
poppy-seed, white bread, almonds and raisins, stewed in milk. After
the supper all return once more to the Christmas room, where the
second part of the celebration--the exchange of presents among the
Royal Family--then comes off.

The Emperor's table stands on the right side of the ballroom door, and
every object placed on it bears a paper with an inscription intimating
by whom the present is given. The pre