Children's Christmas Tree

Visiting Anastasia's blog recently reminded about this photograph (featuring our patron saint and her sisters!):

In this picture, probably taken by Aleksandra (their mother), we see, from left to right, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Olga.

The children had their own tree in the Playroom, while their parents had another downstairs. There were other trees in the palace for the staff and the Ladies-in-Waiting . The children would drag their beds into the Playroom so they could sleep around the tree, which was decorated with ornaments chosen for their sentimental value and beauty. This tree had candles on it, but later electric lights were used.

Photo/text: A Romanov Scrapbook