The Truth About The Annual Kardashian Family Christmas Party

The Kardashians don't do anything by halves. Their ostentatious lifestyle has kept us watching them over 19 seasons of hit show, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and it continues to make the five sisters the most famous women in the world. Long-time fans of the family will know that they do festive celebrations right, with their annual Christmas Eve party documented extensively on the show, often because of the fights they have over the choice of venue, food, or decorations.

This year, everything is different. Most of us won't be risking seeing our families over Christmas, but we're not Kardashians. Considering Kim recently whisked everybody she loved off to a private island to celebrate her 40th birthday and her younger half-sister Kendall Jenner subsequently held her own over-the-top birthday bash, it's reasonable to assume their Christmas spirit won't be dented by the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, there are things even the Kardashians can't control.

As People notes, matriarch Kris Jenner started the Christmas Eve party tradition back in the seventies. But, as KUWTK fans will know, Kim took over hosting duties in 2018, throwing a hugely elaborate winter wonderland themed event at her home simply because, as she reasoned at the time, there was more space. The festivities included sledding down a ski slope covered in fake snow that was created especially for the occasion, an art installation featuring a valley of Whoville trees, a light tunnel, and a live band. 

An event expert estimated that the celebration cost around $1.3 million, as per People. Last year, there was more drama as Kourtney took over hosting duties somewhat against her will. At the time, florist Ashley Greer advised People that the cost of the various accoutrements, including a mini hot chocolate bar hosted inside a chalet, again created specifically for the event, was in excess of $436,000.

Khloé Kardashian remained optimistic as late as November, telling a fan on Twitter she was hopeful the party would still go ahead, albeit on a smaller scale. However, on Dec. 7, she confirmed there would be no Christmas Eve event this year, explaining simply, "Covid has taken over." Kardashian further elaborated, "It's the first time we will not be having a Christmas Eve party since 1978 I believe. Health and safety first though! Taking this pandemic seriously is a must." The KUWTK star promised next year would blow everything out of the water, advising, "Covid better be gone by next Christmas."

As People reports, Southern California, where the famous family resides, recently instituted a new "Safer at Home" order for three weeks that prohibits "all public and private gatherings of any number of people from more than one household." A source close to the Kardashians confirmed they would likely be celebrating with just family this year instead.