You are most welcome.
I'll try and provide a picture of what the DRF will be up to on Christmas Eve. And mind you the DRF traditions are different from the traditions of most Danes.
Some of what I will be writing will be more or less guesswork, other parts is known to the public.
It could be interesting to see in which ways these traditions differ from Australian and French traditions, and perhaps also speculate about what traditions PH, Mary and our Marie may have introduced.
In other words: If you were French/Australian what would you bring with you?
By now all the youngest members of the DRF understand what Christmas is all about, so they'll be up early!
Each of them probably have several Christmas calendars, no doubt at least one containing chocolate. But QMII has made a parcel-calendar for each of her grandchildren, so they'll open the last one when they get up.
I think it's likely the children will get a small present to keep them occupied, very likely a game or something like that.
It's also certain they will watch the Christmas-calendars on TV, aimed at children (there are some for adults as well).
If J&M and M&F have arrived at Marselisborg on the 23th (Little Christmas Eve Day) they are no doubt turned lose in the park to burn off some energy!
It's likely at least some of the children will help farmor Margrethe decorating the Christmas tree, in the forenoon. The tree is only brought inside that same morning.
The children are rounded up before noon, for a little lunch, before having a bath and a change of clothes.
At around 14.00 or so M&F and children will probably stroll the few hundred meters to the main building to gather with the rest of the family. Perhaps they will have a toast in Gløgg (which is basically warm red-wine with raisins) and enjoy a handful of cookies like brown cakes and pepper nuts. And with PH around perhaps some sweets as well...
At around 15.30 the whole family will enter the cars in order to drive to Aarhus Cathedral for the Christmas service at 16.00. That'll last a little less than an hour. QMII will usually stay for communion and perhaps Mary and Marie will remain with her. The rest will go back to Marselisborg with the children.
On the way back at least QMII will drop in at the guards-room to wish the guards on duty a merry Christmas. (Most of the guardsmen will be from Jutland on this occasion BTW).
Back at Marselisborg it's time for the unveiling of the Christmas tree. In accordance with the old tradition the tree will be standing in a corner and the family will admire the tree.
With eight grandchildren around it is often speculated as to whether the DRF will dance around the tree, but so far they don't seem to. At least not when celebrating at Marselisborg.
Then dinner is served.
The DRF-menu is not typical Danish.
They start out with rice-porridge.
I can't remember off hand what the main course is.
but the dessert is English plum-cake.
Then the family gather in the room with the Christmas tree, where they sing a number of psalms, before it's finally time to open the presents.
I imagine coffee is served once the presents have been unpacked. With cake, chocolate, nuts and sweets. And probably a cognac and a Christmas beer or a white beer as well...
By now Joachim and Frederik will likely also be busy playing with the toys... I mean busy helping the children putting some of the toys together and setting it up.
By late evening the youngest children will have collapsed and it's time for M&F to head back with their children. Though Vincent and Josephine may already have joined their cousins bette Henrik and Athena in their room, snoring away. (J&M and children sleep at the main building).
Before departing for Marselisborg QMII will gather her staff at Amalienborg and present each of them with a present most likely bought in London, when she went shopping there earlier. As she does every year. Then she will read aloud to them a part of the Christmas Day gospel before wishing them all a merry Christmas. Most will be away on Christmas holiday but some will go to Marselisborg with the Regent Couple.
I imagine M&F will do something similar.