As the holiday season approaches, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is gearing up to create lasting memories for her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Reflecting on her own experiences as a mother, Meghan expressed her deep affection for Christmas and the unique lens through which her children now view the festivities. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many parents—the transition from merely enjoying the holiday spirit to witnessing its magic unfold in the eyes of one’s children. Meghan’s excitement emphasizes how the evolution of a child’s understanding can heighten the joy of family traditions that may once have seemed commonplace.
In her recent conversation with Marie Claire, Meghan shared delightful insights into the family’s holiday customs, which include endearing acts such as leaving out carrots for Santa’s reindeer. This simple yet sweet tradition illustrates the whimsical nature of Christmas, one that reinforces the belief in magic for young children. Moreover, Meghan’s anticipation for the season represents a shift in her parenting experience, where she now looks forward to seeing how her children experience these familiar rituals.
Thanksgiving, which precedes Christmas, is another occasion the family celebrates with warmth and togetherness. Meghan described their Thanksgiving gatherings as low-key, filled with familial love and the importance of enjoying each other’s company. The family’s approach to the holidays is refreshingly relatable. They focus on traditional elements—delicious meals, shared games, and music, exemplifying the core values of family unity and enjoyment. This emphasis on togetherness resonates with many families that prioritize the joy of shared experiences over extravagant celebrations.
Meghan’s reflections are complemented by insights from Prince Harry, who has shared memories of Christmas in his memoir, “Spare.” He recounted the enchanting experience of selecting their Christmas tree from a pop-up lot in Santa Barbara, an emblematic moment of settling into their new home. Harry’s reminiscing about decorating the tree with Archie encapsulates the quintessential familial moments that define the holiday spirit—like admiring the fruits of one’s labor while counting blessings, an activity that fosters gratitude in a world often defined by consumerism.
The Sussex family’s Christmas practices are, perhaps, a blend of British royal tradition and freshly minted personal touches. Harry noted how they adhere to certain royal customs, such as opening some gifts on Christmas Eve, while simultaneously creating unique family experiences that reflect their desire for personal bonding and a bit of commonality. The mention of Archie receiving a waffle maker from his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, adds a poignant layer to their family traditions. The queen’s thoughtful gift not only signifies familial love but also embodies the seamless transmission of traditions across generations.
The Sussexes’ holidays showcase a desire to cultivate an environment where children can thrive and feel cherished. Amidst their responsibilities as public figures, Meghan and Harry prioritize family time, grounding their holiday celebrations in meaningful experiences rather than mere extravagance. This conscious choice to treasure time spent together is a value that many families strive for, particularly amidst a pandemic-stricken world where family connections feel more precious than ever.
Meghan’s remarks reaffirm a universal truth: the holidays are a time for gratitude, togetherness, and the creation of cherished memories. For the Duchess, the journey of motherhood encompasses the joy of watching her children experience the festive season and the simple pleasures that come with it. As they prepare for their celebrations, the Sussex family continues to serve as a reminder that the heart of Christmas lies not in material gifts but in love, connection, and shared happiness.
Meghan Markle’s approach to Christmas, alongside the fond memories shared by Prince Harry, illustrates a commitment to creating an enchanting and nurturing environment for their children. Their traditions and practices serve as valuable reminders of the joys of family, making Christmas not just a holiday, but a profound celebration of love and connection.