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From the heart of America to the snowy landscapes of Germany and the austere confines of deployed locations, military personnel and veterans weave unique traditions and stories into the fabric of the holiday season. These traditions, born from shared experiences, camaraderie, and the enduring human spirit, offer a glimpse into the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated within the global military family.
Community, Remembrance, and Giving Back in the United States
In the United States, Christmas for veterans and active-duty personnel is often intertwined with a strong sense of community, remembrance, and giving back. Military organizations, like the VFW and American Legion, become hubs for holiday gatherings, offering a space for camaraderie and shared experiences. VFW halls and American Legion posts host Christmas dinners and parties, bringing veterans and their families together for a festive celebration. These gatherings often feature traditional American fare, music, and decorations. Organizations and individuals send care packages filled with holiday treats, gifts, and letters to deployed service members, bringing a touch of home to those serving overseas. Many veterans participate in community service projects during the Christmas season, volunteering at soup kitchens, donating blood, and collecting toys for children in need.
The Christmas Truce of 1914 - Though not strictly an American story, the Christmas Truce of World War I resonates with many US veterans. The spontaneous ceasefire between German and British soldiers on Christmas Eve, filled with carols, gift exchanges, and even a soccer match, serves as a powerful reminder of shared humanity amidst conflict.
Operation Santa Claus - Since 1955, the US Air Force has conducted "Operation Santa Claus," airdropping supplies and gifts to remote and rural communities in and near Alaska. This annual mission, often carried out by C-130 Hercules aircraft, brings Christmas cheer to isolated islands and strengthens ties between the military and local populations.
Wreaths Across America - Each December, volunteers across the US participate in "Wreaths Across America," placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at national cemeteries. This tradition honors the sacrifices of fallen service members and ensures they are remembered during the holiday season.
Rocking in Ramstein
Given how long the US has had troops stationed in Germany, the road to integrated holiday festivities is short indeed. In Germany, Christmas celebrations blend rich cultural traditions with a deep respect for military heritage, where veterans and active-duty personnel often incorporate elements of their military service into their holiday observances, creating a unique and meaningful experience often shared by their American counterparts. German Christmas trees are often decorated with traditional ornaments, including glass balls, wooden figures, and candles. Some veterans incorporate military-themed ornaments or decorations made from spent shell casings, adding a personal touch to their holiday decor. Many German churches hold candlelight services on Christmas Eve, offering a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal. These services are often attended by veterans and active-duty personnel, providing a sense of peace and solace.
“Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) - This beloved Christmas carol, composed in Austria in 1818, has a special connection to the German military. During World War I, it was reportedly sung during the Christmas Truce, fostering a moment of peace amidst the trenches.
The "Weihnachtsfrieden" (Christmas Peace) - In medieval Germany, the "Weihnachtsfrieden" was a period of truce declared during the Christmas season. This tradition, though no longer formally observed, reflects the enduring desire for peace and goodwill during the holidays.
Military Christmas Markets - Many German military bases host their own Christmas markets, featuring handcrafted gifts, traditional food and drink, and festive entertainment. These markets provide a sense of community and allow service members to connect with their families during the holiday season. Imagine a US farmers market, but less Etsy and more Rockwell.
Christmas on Deployment
For military personnel deployed overseas during Christmas, the holiday season can be both challenging and rewarding. Separated from loved ones and facing the realities of a combat zone, deployed service members find creative ways to celebrate and maintain morale. Why let the fact that you’re in some third world dirt hole get in the way of a good time? Families, friends, and support organizations send care packages filled with holiday treats, decorations, and personal letters to deployed troops, providing a tangible connection to home. Military units organize Christmas parties and gatherings, often with festive “meals”, “decorations”, and “entertainment”. (And yes, those quotations are important). These events foster camaraderie and allow service members to celebrate together. Technology allows deployed personnel to connect with loved ones back home through video calls and messages, sharing holiday greetings and staying connected despite the distance.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas" in Vietnam - During the Vietnam War, a chaplain doing chaplain things arranged for a screening of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" for troops stationed at a remote fire support base. The simple act of watching a beloved holiday cartoon brought a sense of normalcy and comfort to the soldiers.
Christmas in the Desert - During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, US troops stationed in the Saudi Arabian desert celebrated Christmas with makeshift decorations, care packages from home, and even a visit from Bob Hope.
Operation Christmas Drop - Since 1952, the US Air Force has conducted "Operation Christmas Drop," airdropping humanitarian aid and gifts to islands throughout the Pacific. This annual mission, the longest-running humanitarian airlift operation in the world, brings Christmas cheer to remote communities and fosters goodwill.
Christmas, a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness, takes on a special meaning within the military community. From the veteran communities of the United States to the challenging environment of deployment, military personnel and veterans find unique ways to celebrate the holiday season. Their stories and traditions, born from shared experiences, camaraderie, and the enduring human spirit, offer a testament to the resilience and adaptability of those who serve their country. By honoring these traditions and sharing their stories, military members and veterans enrich the Christmas season and remind us of the true meaning of the holidays, while keeping the urge to toss knives at each other’s feet at bay.
