by Katelyn Muir

Created on: November 19, 2008   Last Updated: August 21, 2011

Away from home, in muddy trenches with guns and rations instead of Christmas presents and turkey dinners, was how many soldiers found themselves on Christmas Eve of 1914. It is likely many thought Christmas would be simply overlooked or forgotten, under the ugly circumstances. To the benefit and surprise of many, it was not.

Five months after the First World War in Europe began, the holiday had crept up. On Christmas Eve on many sections of the frontline, carols could be heard, not always in English. It was not uncommon for men to be together in groups, keeping warm and singing to stay alert and to keep morale up. At many sections of the British frontline, the Germans' line was so close, they could call out to each other and be heard. Sometimes they were so close they could enjoy each other's singing and applaud the performances. They could hear the German soldiers celebrating Christmas and letting them know that they did not plan to fight on the special day.

On Christmas morning the British realized the Germans had been serious in their desire to recognize Christmas and enjoy the holiday peacefully, as they would at home. The sight of their enemies standing outside of their trenches, unarmed, was most likely confusing and shocking. In multiple cases the two sides came together, shaking hands and wishing one another a Merry Christmas. The men let their guard down enough to stretch their weary, cramped bodies, dry out and relax a bit. There were groups that even played a friendly soccer game.

As the men swarmed onto No Man's Land, they used this rare opportunity to stand upright without any fear of being shot at, warm themselves outside their mud- and water-filled foxholes, and even trade. They exchanged souvenirs, pipes, coins, buttons, cigarettes, and food. They ate and drank together, drinking to one another's health. Some of the men were discovered to be barbers, and No Man's Land also became a temporary barber's shop.

Unfortunately, this truce was not all fun and rest. When the men came out of their trenches on Christmas morning, No Man's Land was scattered with bodies of their fallen comrades. An agreement was made, and both sides collected and buried their dead. Graves were dug and services held to show respect to their friends and enemies who had died doing what they were supposed to. The sight of enemies standing quietly together, heads bowed, being quietly reverent as funeral services were done for both sides was not something that would have been

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