Let’s make a New Year’s resolution: NO MORE WAR. Well, the thought of world peace is more of a wish than a promise but why can’t we make that resolve and direct our lives to that purpose? I guess it’s going to take a lot more than just a few people making a resolve for world peace. As Christmas is approaching, we can only hope that the season’s greetings will bring reprieve from killing, conflict, and the cold reality of wartime.
I found some heartwarming photographs from around the world that show how soldiers celebrate Christmas in wartime, even if it is on the battlefield. The world has seen two world wars, several cold wars, tons of conflicts, and recent horrors unfolding in Afghanistan, Iran and the Russian invasion of Ukraine; all are gut-wrenching accounts of violence. Dating back to the horrifying world wars, these pictures of Christmas in wartime will warm your heart, and make you wonder about the justification of warfare and the importance of the holiday spirit.
Also Read: Eco-Friendly Christmas – How to Lessen Footprint This Holiday Season?
3908th Signal Service Battalion in Europe celebrating Christmas during World War II.
Image: Allan Voluck
A Christmas bauble hangs on a branch in front of a destroyed house near Kyiv, Ukraine.
Image: Gleb Garanich/Reuters
Christmas 1939 with a Christmas tree on the German coastal battery in Poland’s Gotenhafen.
Image: Warspot
American infantrymen during the War in Korea on December 14, 1951.
Image: National Archives
A Tree of Hope: US soldiers resting on Hill 875 with a Christmas tree during the Vietnam War against bombed forests.
Image: Warspot
Christmas Tree in Ukraine: This tree covered in suspicious wires is a scary sight for locals as they fear enemies might have rigged it with mines.
Image: BBC
German soldiers carrying Christmas trees on their BMW R12 motorcycle with a gas mask covering the headlight of the vehicle.
Image: Twitter@WWIIpix
Also Read: DIY Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees to Make This Year
A Korean soldier decorates a Christmas tree with cotton and cigarette packs amid war.
Image: US Military History
Officers of the 101st Airborne Division having Christmas dinner in Belgium under German Siege.
Image: Warspot
Soldiers decorating a Christmas tree in a trench during Vietnam War, 1969.
Image: Warspot
US Marines deliver Christmas gifts for children during Vietnam War.
Image: Warspot
US soldiers celebrate Christmas on the Lexington aircraft carrier in late World War II.
Image: Warspot