A Brief History
On December 24, 1914, exactly 100 years ago today, British and German soldiers facing each other across No Man’s Land in the trenches of World War I confounded their superiors by leaving their trenches and walking out to meet and greet their enemies in the spirit of Christmas brotherhood.
Digging Deeper
Not only did the soldiers shake hands and converse but they even exchanged presents! When they sang carols together, it just about gave the generals on both sides fits. In some cases, football games (soccer) were played between opposing forces as well.
French troops were a bit less eager to join in the festivities, but in some cases they did. The camaraderie shared by the British and Germans was almost universal along the front they shared with an outpouring of troops from each side who had more in common with their supposed enemies than they did with their aristocratic superiors. Co-national burial parties and services were also held.
The superiors were outraged, and strict orders were given down the chain of command to forbid a repeat of such a Christmas Truce in the remaining years of the war. Still, it was repeated on a much smaller scale in 1915, but by 1916, the carnage had become so great and the terror of massive artillery bombardments and the barbaric use of poison gasses had hardened the wornout soldiers into outright hatred for one another. There would be no further Christmas Truces. Perhaps the annual Christmas bombardments ordered by the generals on each side had something to do with the men preferring to stay in their trenches.
The generals making these decisions were almost universally located well rear of the fighting in luxurious accommodations in appropriated chateaus and mansions. Unlike the men who fought, these high-ranking officers mostly came from rich, aristocratic backgrounds and ate well, not starving and freezing in the mud as their troops did. World War I was one of the worst cases of “ivory tower syndrome” by those running the war in comparison to those fighting it. General officers who cared about and empathized with the men were the exception rather than the rule. This was one of the not so “great” aspects of the “Great War.”
For now though, Merry Christmas, Happy Winter Solstice, Festivus, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, or whatever your winter holiday is!
Question for students (and subscribers): What is your favorite winter holiday? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Crocker, Terri Blom and Peter Grant. The Christmas Truce: Myth, Memory, and the First World War. University Press of Kentucky, 2017.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="7133 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=7133">86 Comments
This is a perfect example of how common people generally do not want to go to war and the wealthy who rarely who fight are the true proponents of war. This event is a great example of camaraderie and brotherhood even during one of the darkest of times.
This portrays that all soldiers no matter how tough they are, they still have a heart for others. The only unfortunate experience is that when you grow a bond with the opposing force, it becomes harder and sadder time to kill them.
This is definitely one way to get to know your enemy. I find it would be hard to get to know them if they spoke another language like from English to German.
To me this would be extremely hard to do because outside of this time you are trying to kill each other. But it just goes to show how strong Christmas spirit is and how unifying it can be.
It just seems kind of strange to be exchanging gifts and greeting the “enemy” pleasantly. Especially since they were just trying to kill each other.
Even in a time of killing and fighting, it is shocking that these men came together, even if it was for one day.
I think it is sad that they were ordered to stop this kind of camaraderie and support for each other. I understand that war is war and there are reasons for going to war, but the fact that these soldiers who were in terrible conditions found similarities between themselves and could relate to each other is pretty incredible. It just goes to show you sometimes how awful humans can be when that kind of positive communication is destroyed by a need to be the best and the winner.
It’s too bad that they went from celebrating one day with each other, to trying to kill each other the next. It’s sad that war has this impact on humans.
The struggle I would have had in this situation would be… going back to war the very next day! — DAVID WARDLE
It’s kind of funny for them to go from killing each other to exchanging gifts and playing soccer.
I think it speaks volumes for these men that that were able to stop fighting to be able to come together in peace. It is a shame they had to continue fighting because I think everyone in the war could really learn a huge lesson from these guys.
Wow, it is good to know that even during war there can be decency shown by man
Surprising to read that they took time to celebrate Christmas, exchange gifts and play soccer etc.. It is not surprising to read that the superiors were upset about it.
Ivory Tower syndrome; not much has changed.
Sadly, it sometimes seems the folks in the tower today are hawks at home calling for blood over infractions committed by those outside against those outside.
“Perhaps the annual Christmas bombardments ordered by the generals on each side had something to do with the men preferring to stay in their trenches.”
Can’t have the men seeing the enemy as men just like them, after all!
This is quite cool, and it’s sad that this couldn’t continue. After all, the soldiers and generals were only fighting since it was part of their job. The wealthy and those higher up are never the ones that seem to actually do any fighting.
Just goes to show that soldiers are humans too.
It would be really hard to kinda make a new friend and then the very next day go back to war with them !
This is one of those stories that restores faith in humanity. I love this story and think that it is an inspiration for peacemaking
This is awesome. I never knew about this until now. It’s weird to imagine these guys trying to blow each other’s heads off one day, then playing soccer the next, then going right back to killing each other.
it shows how they really felt about killing another man on a daily basis and how the fight was not for them but for those in power as it always has and always will be
It amazes me that the men fighting in this terrible war put down their guns for a night and celebrated with the “enemy”. Personally I would be terrified to join in the celebration in fear that there would be a surprise attack; however, I applaud those who participated in the gatherings even when the chain of command was so against it.
I completely agree. Although I would be personally terrified, it is nice to see that they were able to take a well-deserved night off to relax and celebrate.
I agree as well, as I was reading the article I couldn’t help but think that this would be something that I would not participate in strictly out of fear of an ambush. I think it really shows the character of the men who fought in the war that they were able to do such a thing, especially after their commanding officers forbid it.
I honestly think that what the generals did and how they prevented this from being an occurrence every year is almost despicable. The generals were able to spend Christmas safe and sound behind the scenes while the soldiers were being forced to fight even when they have shown they could be at peace if only for a night. It’s crazy to realize just how much crap the soldiers actually had to go through.
I think it is cool that soldiers fighting, mainly, for political reasons were able to look past the politics and celebrate a religious holiday together. I agree with Allison, I would have been terrified to attend and celebrate myself; however, I think that shows the world we live in now. Much of the time, it seems like we are on the defense, not fully able to enjoy what is right in front of us. This is such a unique moment, not only in war, but in society too!
I agree! It’s crazy to think that they were fighting in a war however at the end of the day they were still able to peacefully celebrate with their opponents!
I agree with Allison and Martha, I would be very skeptical about crawling out of my trench to go meet the men that tried to kill me. But I understand why they did it, it was a war they were told to fight on both sides by people living luxuriously through the war so it would be nice to have a night off.I think this is such a cool event though, shows the humane side of people. It’s a shame officers put it to an end.
I would be shocked to see an event such as the Christmas Truce take place right before my eyes if I were a soldier. Especially to see members of my own army approach the enemy without fear. But this does reflect the idea that early on in WWI war was something glorious.
I remember learning about this event in my History class in high school. I was amazed that the soldiers came together to celebrate Christmas. In the article it states how the soldiers conversed and even play soccer together. I wonder if people had a better way of communicating throughout the war, if it would have changed anything.
A great show of humanity and an awesome story
This is truly a great show of humanity and how an event as horrible as war can be put aside in the name of a holiday like Christmas. I would have been horrified to leave the trenches and meet the enemy but they were able to do so and bond over the horrors of war and their distaste for their aristocratic superiors.
i think this is a great example that in times of war people can put aside their differences, respect each other and celebrate the holiday together because they don’t have the opportunity to be with their families. i am curious though how the communication between the shoulders happened, i feel like it would take a very brave person to march over to enemy lines and get them to put their weapons down and celebrate for a little bit.
This story restored faith in humanity. To greet your enemy without fear is impressive.
It sounds like in the beginning of the war the men still had faith in humanity but by the end it was long gone. It is sad that the Generals would be so out of touch with their troops, hopefully we hear about some good Generals soon!
Not surprised.
They doesn’t even seem like a war to me. Never heard of people shaking the enemies hands. That is crazy. Who would kill someone who they just exchanged presents with.
Well this is so confusing to me but I love it. I think it’s funny that their higher ups wanted them to stop but they must have loved it. I’d do anything for Christmas food.
I read this before. I think it goes to show you both sides are just a like. they have no real grudges it is just there duty as soldiers.
It was interesting to see that the British and German soldiers could congregate peacefully in the midst of a war.
This is interesting. It seems that they were loyal soldiers but also respected humanity.
They are better people than I am. Every time I try to make sense of it I can’t. Shooting at someone that is trying to kill you one day and then playing soccer with them the next would be a confusing roller coaster of emotions.
Seems like some bipolar stuff
Having two opposite forces come together and make it right on Xmas is awesome
ironic they could have a truce on one of the worlds most iconic days for celebration.
Coming together on Christmas i think is great!
This kind of thing proves most people have a inherent sense of compassion
Two enemies coming together on a wonderful holiday like Christmas is amazing. It shows that sometimes there are more important things than war.
Its such a beautiful thing for these people to have the courage to walk across no-mans land and greet their enemy as their brother on a day such as Christmas. I think what makes me sad is that this tradition ended as the war continued and the atrocities of war grew and instilled hatred of one another. I think that that is the worst thing about war. It makes you see other human beings as less than human and begin to hate those that are fighting for their country, same as you.
This just goes to show that people fighting in war are just as human as their enemies. It is hard for soldiers to be so far away from their families on a day that should be spent with them, not worrying about war. I wonder how this celebration was initiated, I feel as though I would be apprehensive joining the people I am fighting against for a Christmas celebration.
This story is comforting to know that even soldiers who are enemies fighting a war can come together during a widely celebrated holiday like Christmas. It is not common for this to happen.
It makes you feel good that on a holiday like Christmas it can bring together everyone despite the differences that may be at hand. Things like this show that people can have humanity and come together no matter what circumstance.
I think it is great how people can come together for big celebrations such as Christmas. I think it is even more amazing when enemies come together during such a holy holiday and forget about war, misery and fighting. I think it shows that people really dislike fighting and wars and they only do it when they are forced to.
Such a great peace story that happened in time of war. All of the stories we have read and learned about are all times of killing and hatered when it comes to war. Truly an amazing story that a holiday could bring two sides together and make peace for a day.
Stories like these are truly inspiring. I find it great that opposing sides can overcome their oppositions for a day and truly gain respect for one another. Moments like these deserve to go down in history.
I’ve always found this story so touching. Ware time is hard and it’s even more difficult when you realize those you’re fighting against are in the same position as yourself also fighting for their country for a cause they believe in. It’s touching that these soldiers recognized they had more in common with each other than their superiors and laid down their arms for one night.
This is such an amazing story! It is so wonderful to see the humanity which can be found during the celebration of a holiday. The ivory tower syndrome is very very real, even in today’s conflicts.
Its amazing to see that even during the times of war, an event like Christmas can bring was to a halt and bring the soldiers together as one to celebrate something so significant. They even played sports together!
The Christmas truce of 1914 was a true show of the human spirit. Although I’m sure not everyone celebrated Christmas, it was a needed break and a much needed show of kindness. I have always fought it was ridiculous that Generals used to stay out of battles. How can you lead a group of soldiers when you have no idea how they are feeling and what environment they are suffering in?
This truce is thoroughly shocking. The men were in the trenches and in battle but they decided to call a truce in the Christmas spirit. They ate, played football and even gave presents. Where did they get the presents from? It is ironic that the superiors were upset and said that this would not happen again.
The Christmas Truce was pleasant to read about. That had to be a unique moment to see soldiers of separate countries uniting and celebrating Christmas together. The most surprising part of this article was that the men actually exchanged presents, disregarding the dissatisfaction of their leaders.
The Christmas Truce is something I think would have been amazing to behold. Although shocking at first to most it was a nice thing to celebrate in the beginning of the war. It is sad that a couple years later, not only was it not allowed, many of the soldiers had hardened toward their enemy and could not be civil even to celebrate.
What a cool story. I never knew of the Christmas Truce but it is fascinating to me. I also am extremely bothered by the commanders coming down hardly on their troops for doing this, especially when they were sitting in mansions. It is amazing that these enemies were able to come together for one night and celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is a magical time and to see troops from two different countries come together to celebrate that is magical in itself. The fact that the superiors were against it is disappointing though. Sometimes we just need to get over the issue and celebrate what we have, which is what the soldiers did.
Celebrating Christmas together one day and then back to fighting each other the next day. This must have been an odd occurrence because the two sides went back to fighting each other a couple days later. No wonder the Christmas Truce did not occur the following years during the war.
The Christmas Truce shows that many of the soldiers were fighting for their country against another country. There were no personal vendettas in the war which seems strange. How could you fight a war against the same people you celebrate a holiday with?
I never knew there was a such thing as a Christmas Truce. This makes me think that peace is possible. This is a strange concept though. After getting to know the enemies well and celebrating a holiday with them, the men would have to go back and fight against each other again. It is sad that a couple years later this tradition was not allowed and the soldiers did not want to participate anymore out of hatred.
I think the Christmas Truce is a wonderful event in history. No matter what was going on, they were able to come together, shake hands, exchange gifts and be pleasant during this time.
No matter how much we may be different, there is always something that links us together as humans. In this case, their Christmastime faith. However in today’s wars I never see something like this occurring in the slightest.
This goes to show that people who fight are not the ones who decided to in the first place. I don’t believe in any war that costs lives of great men and women.
Very nice story of how war is not always the result.
I remember learning about this in high school but it still amazes me. I cannot imagine it ever repeating in our lifetimes.
Stories like this make me happy.
This story is often told during Mass around the holidays. It shows that your enemies may not be as bad as you think.
It’s amazing to think people trying to kill each other a couple days earlier are singing songs and exchanging gifts together.
It makes me feel good to think that things like this happened. It shows the true nature of the soldiers. They were forced to fight this war. Reminds me of many people’s viewpoint of Vietnam, Difference Is, is that Vietnam didn’t really have one of these moments.
Thats so uplifting that a war two different sides with different beliefs can come together for a holiday and treat each other like brothers even despite the negativity and differences, hat should have ended all wars and made a stepping stone.
i had to comment again this is my fav article i have read since been in here,
I don’t think I would be able to bond and celebrate with people that could potentially soon be killing me or my friends next to me, an enemy is an enemy. I find this tradition very weird.
Holidays can bring anyone together. how sweet!
It’s nice to see that the two sides could come together and put their differences aside but it’s still kind of weird to me.
the power of religion
How nice not only did the soldiers shake hands and converse with one another but they even exchanged presents and they even sang carols together!!
That just goes to show you that even during a war, there were still decent human beings who were willing to lay down their arms and enjoy christmas together.
I have never heard of this event. I wish more people knew about it. I think its a clear message that people are people no matter what side of the fight their on.
It would be hard to be away from your family on Christmas.
Awwww, I like that the soldiers were able to put their differences aside and celebrated Chrismtas all together. If I am not mistaken, I actually watched a movie about this in my French class. (I have no clue why we watched it)