JOYEUX NOËL*

A Time When Humanity Won

by Jonathan A. Ward

The day was December 24, 1914, and the place was the eastern border of France. Earlier that Summer Europe had exploded into the first World War. Declining and shifting powers, nationalism, imperialism, industrialization all added to increasing tensions between different allied countries. The war was ignited by the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the Austria-Hungary Empire. Like falling dominos different allied countries declared war on each other until most of the world was involved. In those times it seemed an easy option for nobility and governments to send their youth into battlefields of rifle and machine-gun fire and artillery and poisonous gas barrages. After several major battles, armies dug in, creating two parallel rows of muddy trenches stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss border. By the end of the war 9 million soldiers had been killed with 23 million wounded. Eight million civilians also died. 

This was the backdrop for our story: On Christmas Eve 1914 at the front with French and Scottish soldiers on one side and the Germans on the other, each army started singing carols — some playing bagpipes and other musical instruments. Candles and “fairy lights” decorated the tops of the trenches. When a few brave men openly appeared standing above the foxholes, unarmed and shouting greetings, the leaders met in “no-man’s land” and agreed on a holiday truce which lasted throughout Christmas night. Soldiers of the different armies came together to exchange souvenirs, cigarettes, booze, and food. They proudly shared photographs of their loved ones with each other. Card games and soccer were played, and a joint religious service was conducted. They also used the truce to bury the dead. The ceasefire spread and it was estimated that 100,000 soldiers ultimately participated. Newspaper stories about the truce were published. The officers on both sides who participated were punished by those in command. Here are a couple of excerpts from soldiers’ letters:

Lieutenant Edward Hulse wrote to his mother: ”All the way down our lines … Scots and Huns were fraternizing in the most genuine possible manner. If I had seen it on a cinematograph film I should have sworn that it was faked.”

Another wrote: “Dear Mother, I am writing from the trenches. … The ground is sloppy in the actual trench, but frozen elsewhere. In my mouth is a pipe presented by the Princess Mary. In the pipe is tobacco. Of course, you say. But wait. In the pipe is German tobacco. Ha ha, you say, from a prisoner or found in a captured trench. Oh dear, no! From a German soldier. Yes a live German soldier from his own trench. Yesterday the British & Germans met & shook hands in the ground between the trenches, & exchanged souvenirs, & shook hands. Yes, all day, Xmas day, & as I write. Marvelous, isn’t it?”

Many say the holiday season is their favorite time of year. In addition to Christmas, it is special for those celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. The start of a new year tops it all off. Some celebrate by attending church services, chorale performances, parties, or parades. Many decorate, send cards, and exchange gifts. Others donate to their favorite charities. Outwardly it is a special time, but inside don’t we feel differently, perhaps uplifted, more joyous? For children, especially, this is a magical time.

The three stages of life: 1. You believe in Santa; 2. You don’t believe in Santa; 3. You become Santa. Yes, I still believe in Father, Mother, gender-neutral Christmas, and maybe I’ve become him. I hope so. I’ll end with my warm wishes to all my worldwide neighbors: JOYOUS HOLY-DAYS!! PEACE ON EARTH — GOODWILL TO ALL!!

* Joyeux Noēl — movie available online.