Just under five months of fighting had gone by before the Christmas Truce of World War I. WWI would become known as the Great War, or “the war to end all wars.” But, it was Christmas time, and no matter what your creed, religion, or affiliation, there were several holidays to be celebrated during the end of the year. Holiday celebrations are notoriously difficult when you’re embroiled in the front lines of an international conflict, especially for those in one of the worst mankind has ever seen. But at the time, everyone on the Western Front had no clue of the true chaos that would continue to lay waste to Europe for several years. At the moment, it was a time of celebration and revelry. While war may often show the worst in man, the Christmas Truce is a reminder that even when conditions are at their worst, humankind finds a way to come together rather than remain divided.
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What Was the Christmas Truce?
The Christmas Truce is a collection of ceasefires that would occur on the Western Front throughout Europe during the holidays. These events didn’t happen everywhere but were reported to be widespread despite skeptics who doubted that peace could be achieved during Christmas.
As the holidays approached, there were some calling for peace, but opposing sides ultimately couldn’t agree on terms. The Christmas Truce of 1914, however, did eventually come after several gifts were exchanged in the weeks leading up to the actual event.
Exchanges were various and occurred at differing locations. For some, there would be an all-out break in the conflict, and even a meeting between opposing sides. Others would simply exchange prisoners, take care of the wounded and the dead, and not much more.
There are also disputes in the reports of what actually happened. The world may never know what actually transpired across the numerous battlefields during the Christmas Truce, but there are many stories and accounts of good tidings toward men even in the midst of hell.
The Beautiful Game and Christmas Magic
It’s unlikely that anyone during the WW1 Christmas Truce was calling the sport soccer. This is because America didn’t enter the war until 1917. But there was plenty of football/fußball to be played.
There were no multi-billion dollar arenas capable of hosting tens of thousands of spectators, simply divvied pieces of land scarred and broken because of the barrage of warfare it was forced to endure.
In many cases, you had the Allies on one side with the Central Powers on another. In the middle was what’s known as “no man’s land.” This was the disputed area between opposing trenches, and for a few days, it was a place of comfort and camaraderie rather than death and despair.
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Several football matches broke out during the Christmas Truce, proving that this truly international pastime has an incredible power to bring together even the fiercest of rivals, if only just for a moment.
Gives were exchanged, Christmas carols were sung, conversations sparked up, and for a brief intermission, battlefields covered in pain and misery embraced the Christmas spirit and provided relief for troops from both sides.
Unfortunately, the war would only get worse, and this led to a natural development of bitterness and resentment. Another holiday truce wasn’t expected or practiced afterward, but there were other ceasefires that occurred throughout World War I.
WWI Ceasefires Occurred Outside of the Holidays
Playing games, having drinks, and singing classics may have all been staples of the 1914 holiday ceasefire, but they weren’t mainstays in other truces. Nevertheless, there were interesting moments when opposing sides would actually prevent attacks.
For starters, when infantry would come into close contact with each other, there were occasions in which fighting would cease. During such times there were friendly exchanges and even conversations between enemies.
There were also moments when those on both sides could collect their injured and dead troops. These ceasefires ensured that such efforts could be made without risking injury and with respect to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Some reports even show that at times engagements were put on hold until proper fighting could be conducted. For example, there would be no attacks until the sides were set up. And not while troops were working or seeking rest.
Such gestures are a great reminder as the holidays approach for all of us to put aside our differences. Because while there is plenty that divides us, there’s thankfully much more that brings us all together. Even if only for the holiday season.
How Long Did the Christmas Truce Last?
The Christmas Truce of 1914 lasted between December 24 and December 26 for most. Some have reported that the ceasefires lasted for weeks in some areas, but for the most part they were confined to Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Boxing Day.
Unfortunately, Europe finds itself embroiled in war again as the holidays approach. Some are beginning to question whether or not a Christmas truce is possible in Ukraine, but only time will tell.
It’s weird to see how much has changed yet remained the same, and in a year where the holiday season, the World Cup, and sadly, a war in Europe all coincide, here’s to hoping that from the dinner table to the battlefield, we all take a page out of the Christmas Truce’s handbook.
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