1914: Christmas in Flanders
There's a Christmas story that has always deeply moved me—one that sounds too improbable to be true. But during the harsh winter of 1914/15, the fighting on the Western Front in Flanders fell silent over the Christmas holidays. And what's more, German and British soldiers climbed out of their trenches to spend the holidays together after a cautious initial approach. They shared sweets sent from home, sang Christmas carols together, and played football against each other. This fraternization must have seemed surreal against the backdrop of the battlefields. It seems all the more terrible to me that the fighting resumed in the new year. This peaceful Christmas should have been the impetus (!) to cease hostilities. And not just for the next three long years. Even today, we hear the cries of war from all sides. Let's let them fade away. Let's speak out. Especially now, in these days. Peace—that is the true spirit of Christmas.
Happy Holidays to you all!
: ... Cortez, end