For many families, Christmastime is rife with a lot of tradition. Hanging up the stockings, leaving out the milk and cookies for Santa Claus…and of course, the sending (and receiving) of family portrait-style Christmas cards.

That tradition isn’t limited to just us regular folk, however. Even the Royal Family’s Christmas cards are filled with joy, glee, and character. Take a look at the following Christmas cards from the royals over the years (and be sure to keep an eye out for the one where the Queen smiles!)

The Queen’s Long Reign Means Many, Many Christmas Memories

Queen Elizabeth II has been the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom since 1952. Besides the many societal changes she’s witnessed over the years, that’s also a lot of Christmases she’s had to oversee!

This Christmas card is from 1954, very early in her role as queen. At 28 years of age, he’s joined alongside by her children and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Waving to her subjects from a balcony, the queen is all smiles in this Christmas greeting card.