For Christians all around the world, 24 December marks Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas, a celebration to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Throughout the world, different celebrations are observed on Christmas Eve. Meals with families and close-knit friends are held in many countries, especially in Europe where it is considered an age-old tradition. For Roman Catholics, Midnight Mass is held to mark the start of Christmas Day and in some churches, solemn moods are observed in the singing of “Silent Night” and the lighting of candles. Despite the present day celebrations, 24 December or Christmas Eve is perhaps known best for the Christmas Truce held during Christmas 1914, between the German and the British or French troops in World War I.

During World War I, troops from both the German, British and French army were almost always permanently positioned in their trenches. Troops from both sides could spend a matter of weeks or months in their trenches, hence, over time, troops from both sides became familiar with one another but over a volley of artillery and an exchange of gunfire. The idea of a truce was first mooted by then Pope, Pope Benedict XV, who called for an official truce between the nations at war during autumn but unfortunately, the idea was ignored by all sides.

However, during Christmas Eve 1914, despite higher command from both sides opposing the idea of a truce, German troops in their trenches in Ypres, Belgium started singing Stille Nacht (Silent Night) and decorated their trenches with candles. The British army, in return, began singing English Christmas carols and soon enough, after Christmas greetings between one another, troops from both countries met in No Man’s Land, shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Some of the German troops could speak English and hence conversations were held and even the non-English speaking German troops exchanged gifts with their British counterparts, and shared smokes and drinks with one another. With artillery not being present, the Christmas truce also meant troops from both sides could recover their fallen soldiers by sending parties over and proper burial could take place. Troops from the opposing nation would even help with burial and paid their respect to the fallen soldier, making it a truly special 24 December.

On Christmas Eve 1915, a Christmas truce was once again observed, this time by German and French troops, when Christmas bells sounded in the villages where their trenches were positioned. Artillery barrages ceased and gunfire spontaneously stopped. The French and German troops met up on neutral trenches and exchanged gifts amongst one another. Some even exchanged addresses and became good friends after the war. The same Christmas, British and German soldiers gathered around No Man’s Land and started a game of football that lasted over thirty minutes with over 50 troops playing, from both sides. Even though the impromptu football free-for-all was cut short by higher command who ordered the British troops to head back to their trenches, it definitely raised the morale of the troops to learn that despite being from different sides of the war, the troops are very much similar to one another.

While a truce was never allowed again, troops were now more frequently rotated so faces were not familiar anymore and artillery barrages were called on Christmas Eve, the Christmas truce showed that even in the face of war, December 24 is by no means like any other day, it is the day when two countries hostile with one another could make peace, even for a short amount of time.