The stages of Christmas Day, as told by the Queen

After what has felt like 57 years instead of one, 2021 has reached its final days, and December 25 is almost upon us.

Although no two Christmas celebrations are the same, there are certain aspects of the occasion that seem universal — like spats over the 'best' Christmas album, or wincing as a spoonful of over-boozed trifle hits your tastebuds.

What better way to capture these familiar festive vignettes than with the many facial expressions of Queen Elizabeth II?

When someone declares Buble's Christmas album is better than Mariah's

Adding your Secret Santa gift to the pile, knowing you went well under budget

When you unwrap your third scented candle

When your cousin turns up for lunch with *another* new partner...

When you claim victory in the cracker-pull and put on your rightful (paper) crown

When you spill gravy on the carpet five minutes into lunch

When someone across the table nabs the bit of pork crackling you were eyeing off

When your climate change-denying grandfather gets started...

When the Pimms kicks in and your jokes are on fire

When you sneak 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' onto the playlist

When someone asks how much Christmas cake you'd like

When you let slip a really good bit of gossip over dessert

When Mum goes a little too hard with the booze in her trifle

When you overhear your aunties talking about the fact you're still single

When your partner says something mortifying and you're waiting to have it out in the car home

When you're dying to watch Love Actually after lunch but everyone else is napping

When you're finally done with everyone's nonsense and go hang out with the dog instead

Merry Christmas!