It looks like Kate Middleton has a couple of holiday surprises up her sleeve! Ahead of Christmas day, the Cambridge family will sit down for an intimate dinner to celebrate the merry season. “Kate is surprising her family with a special home-cooked meal,” an insider revealed in Closer Weekly‘s latest issue, on newsstands now. Apparently, the kids will also help their mama cook. “They love getting their hands messy!”

Kate, Prince William, and their brood may also be joined by Prince Harry, 34, and his bride, Meghan Markle, 37, who — despite rumors of a rift — are expected to be houseguests at Anmer Hall over the holiday. “Christmas,” stated the insider, “is really a big family affair for the royals.”

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In preparation for Santa’s arrival, the 36-year-old Duchess has planned to bake homemade cookies. “The children still believe in Santa Claus,” the source dished. “She usually limits Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s sweets intake, but this year she’ll be surprising them with mini stockings full of treats.” The insider added, “George loves sweets!”

And long before George and Charlotte’s schools let out for the holiday recess, preparations have already begun at Anmer Hall for the arrival of the Duke, Duchess, and their children.

The staff decorates with festive garland and twinkle lights and stocks the pantry with everything that Kate could need to bake Christmas treats. By the time the family arrives at their country home, it will be blazing with cheer and ready to welcome guests.

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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Sandringham will be taken up with pomp and pageantry, but Kate feels it’s important to re-create the simpler holiday traditions she grew up with for George, 5, Charlotte, 3, and Louis, 8 months. “She has already taken George and Charlotte shopping to buy gifts for each other and their little brother, Louis,” the insider revealed.

Even though Christmas is just a few days away, Kate, William, and their kids have been in the holiday spirit for weeks. Between the couple hosting a Christmas party for military families at Kensington Palace and Kate reportedly bringing Charlotte to see The Nutcracker, the royal kiddos are ready to have a holly, jolly holiday.

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