How Christmas Saved Humans

In December 1914, when WW1 was just beginning, the fighting at both sides was still brutal. With morale on both sides low, soldiers on the western front faced horrific conditions, shellfire and even poor hygiene.

But as Christmas approached, something happened that would go down in history as the famous “Christmas Truce“.

On Christmas Eve, when soldiers were huddled in their trenches, an unusual sound of the German soldiers singing "Stille Nacht” drifted across the No Man’s Land.

The British soldiers responded with carols of their own and in an unexpected turn, men from both sides climbed out of their trenches and risked everything.

For a brief imaginary moment, the war stopped. Soldiers exchanged gifts, chocolates and cigarettes. They shook hands, shared stories and even played soccer in a friendly match.

However the truce didn’t last long. Orders from the high command compelled the soldiers to return back to fighting. Those who experienced the truce created one of their best memories in their lives.

This story remains a reminder for the possibility of kindness even in the darkest times.