While their families gathered for the major holiday, monarchs across Europe spoke to their subjects in their annual Christmas speeches. 
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden were among the royal heads of state assuring their people during tough holiday season, as war rages in other countries and the economy continues to fall.
Queen Elizabeth addressed that in her speech televised in the UK and around the Commonwealth.
“Christmas is a time for celebration, but this year it is a more somber occasion for many,” the Queen said.
“People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home.”
However, the 82 year old monarch encouraged her subjects to keep their chins up.
“When life seems hard the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future,” she said, standing by a piano adorned with pictures of her family.
Meanwhile, in Spain, King Juan Carlos I defended his country’s determination to play a larger role in world affairs.
“The current economic crisis shows how much we depend ever more on the rest of the world and we have to know how to skilfully manage the defense of our interests in the world,” he said in the televised address.
“For that, today more than ever, Spain’s international role is important, in our institutions, companies and professionals, to ensure our growth, well-being and security.”
Spain launched an intense and successful diplomatic lobbying effort to obtain a seat at the G20 financial summit in Washington in November, arguing that as the world’s eighth-largest economy it deserved to attend.
Up north in Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf took the radio to speak to his people. He also addressed the current economic crisis, and urged Swedes to remain optimistic.
“Even the financial crisis can promote something positive,” the King said in his afternoon speech.
“The world’s leaders have, with strength and decisiveness, acted together. There are no obvious solutions, but it is hopeful nonetheless to see such cooperation and dialogue between different states.”
One monarch who did not bring up the economy in her country was Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Instead, she talked about how the young must care for the aging Dutch population.
Queen Beatrix warned that each new generation must be made aware of their duty towards those who cannot take care of themselves. She also said that the trials of life help to people to grow and that we see the world differently through eyes that have cried.
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