World War I: One of the bloodiest and gruesome wars in history. It was muddy trench warfare in the midst of icy weather. Machine guns were employed to mow down scores of soldiers and snipers took out those left standing.
Four months into the war, during the Christmas of 1914 in Ypres Salient, where men slipped in blood-soaked mud, a small miracle took place. Soldiers from both sides decided to set aside their weapons and hatred, if only temporarily, and embrace the Christmas spirit
The opposing trenches were only 60 yards apart at one point and some socialising had already occurred. Sometimes the two enemies would shout out to each other. Some of the German soldiers, who had worked in Britain before the war, would ask about places or people and the British soldiers would reply.
On Christmas Eve, a few of the German soldiers put up Christmas trees on the parapets of their trenches. They decorated the trees with candles. British soldiers could see the lights, but it took them a few minutes to decipher what they were. Not long after, the British soldiers heard many of the Germans singing. Occasionally a German would shout out, 'A happy Christmas to you Englishmen!'
Against orders, a thick-set Clydesider responded, “same to you, Fritz, but dinna o'er eat yourself wi' they sausages!”
In some of the other areas, the British and German soldiers exchanged Christmas carols. Both sides would sing the same carol each in their own language.
In a few separate instances down the front line, German soldiers began yelling over to their British enemy, "Tommy, you come over and see us!" The British soldiers would call back, "No, you come here!"
And then it happened: In some parts of the line, soldiers from both sides met in the middle of No Man's Land.
They shook hands, wished each other a Merry Christmas and started chatting as though they were meeting an old friend that they had lost contact with.
Some of the soldiers negotiated a truce: we won't fire if you won't fire. For some, the truce ended at midnight on Christmas night, whilst others extended it until New Year's Day.
This unofficial truce, as strange as it sounds, lasted for several days, much to the disgust of the commanding officers. This amazing event was never again repeated. World War I progressed and the tale of Christmas 1914 at the front became a legend to all.