In the year 1914, during December, the Christmas Truce had begun. British, French, and German soldiers gathered in a small act of peace to celebrate the holidays. They lit candles in the trenches and set up trees, later gathering in No Man’s Land to exchange gifts, share stories, sing carols, and more. Others simply held a ceasefire, allowing each side to collect its dead from No Man’s Land.

Graham Williams of the London Rifle Brigade wrote about how the truce began with German soldiers singing Stille Nacht (Silent Night) on Christmas Eve. The British soldiers, at first surprised, later joined in with their own carols, and the two sides sang across No Man’s Land. He also noted how the Germans called out across No Man’s Land, saying, “If you don’t shoot, we won’t shoot!” Later, both sides began to climb out of the trenches and meet in the middle of No Man’s Land.

He described shaking hands with the enemy and exchanging small gifts like food, tobacco, and souvenirs. One particular thing he noted was the sharing of Christmas traditions, with Germans lighting candles and offering cigars, while British soldiers offered plum pudding. He observed how soldiers showed each other photographs of their families—a reminder of the shared humanity between the opposing sides.

There was also talk of football games (known as soccer to Americans), though it is not known for certain if they occurred. Bruce Bairnsfather noted that he met with German soldiers in No Man’s Land, where they shared cigars and jokes.

In some areas, the Christmas Truce lasted until New Year’s Day, as soldiers were hesitant to fire on their newfound “friends.” However, officers eventually ordered the fighting to resume.

(Note to be taken in the end) Even though we might come from different places, we are all humans, all brothers. No one wants to fight in the end but is often forced to by those driven by greed and power....

Hope this taught you something have a happy holiday season! and if you have any more things to say about this please say it in the comments to teach those who know nothing =D