Through a video message, the Seminole princesses provided best wishes for a happy holiday season to the tribe.

“My family and I celebrate Christmas, so this year we’ll be spending it by watching our favorite holiday movies and drinking lots of hot chocolate,” said Miss Florida Seminole Durante Blais-Billie. “I hope you were all able to stay safe through this year and can continue to stay safe through the holiday season. May the new year bring you many blessings.”

“You know with everything going on in our world right now, staying safe and being there for one another is something we should implement into our daily lives, especially through these difficult times,” said Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Aubee Billie.

In normal times, the princesses would be busy during the holidays making in-person appearances at Christmas celebrations on the reservations and other events, such as toy drives. The pandemic forced cancellations of many events, but the princesses still reached out to spread holiday joy, including to youngsters at the Big Cypress Youth Home.

The princesses set up an Amazon online gift donation drive, encouraging people to donate gifts to benefit children at the home.

Blais-Billie and Billie are serving second terms as the tribe’s royalty after the Princess Pageant was canceled in 2020.