Forward

"This is a story that deserves, and in fact needs to be told three hundred and sixty-five days a year." -John McCutcheon

There are millions of stories which came out of the Great War. The horrible conditions of the conflict were shown most vividly through the many who died in nationalistic causes. Looking back over a century later, so much of what sparked the war seems quite trivial. Yet in 1914 a miracle of sorts occurred. A moment in time when good will toward men prevailed over the rage and brutality of a conflict that would claim over 20 million lives in four long years all while ushering in a new era of global politics which fuels conflict to this day.

Many insisted for years that it could not have happened, yet the veterans who were there insisted otherwise. Eventually, the historical record has come to the defense of these veterans and in time it has been revealed the extent to which news about the event had been suppressed by leadership in the warring nations. Yet despite their best efforts, the story of the Christmas Truce endures. I for one will tell it to my children and my children's children because at it's heart is a simple truth that we all should remember. We are all human at our core, that will always make us more similar than different.

"My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool.

Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.

To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here

I fought for King and country I love dear.

'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung,

The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung

Our families back in England were toasting us that day

Their brave and glorious lads so far away."

St. Louis, Missouri

December 23rd, 1927

The last of the autumn leaves fell from the stands of oak just outside the front drive, floating gently down with the help of a light breeze. Snowflakes hung in the air, dancing as the wind swirled before landing softly on the ground. Each flake contributed to a light frosting of snow across the Missouri bottomlands, breaking up the dull greys and browns which now sprawled out to the horizon on this December evening. It would be gone in a few days once the southern air returned, and the cycle would repeat itself until the spring rains came once more.

Though we lacked a thick, white blanket of snow here in St. Louis, I certainly didn't mind. Compared to the knee-deep snow in Butte, this was a paradise! Despite barren ground, it was still Christmas time and there was much to celebrate. The fortunes of Riley and myself turned for the better. So we were going to bid farewell to a year of much loss, but grateful for what we had gained. Rocky and Freckle were outside decorating the tree we put up a few days ago. I was out cleaning up the backyard while the ladies and kids were inside preparing a feast for us all when the scent of smoke filled my nose. Looking up, it was quickly evident where the source was. I ran around to the front of the house and was greeted with quite the scene.

"The tree!" I shouted in utter shock. Somehow, the boys managed to light the thing on fire. Rocky was scrambling to save what he could by stomping on the flames while Freckle was valiantly trying to get water into a bucket. Though the rest of the property was in no danger, I wasn't about to risk it. Rushing into the barn, I came out with an axe and started chopping at the base. In a few swings, the sound of a large pop followed by creaking was my cue to get out of there. Grabbing Rocky and pulling him with me, we stood clear as the flaming tree fell squarely into the gravel lot in front of the house. Freckle came in at the last second and started to douse the flames.

"Ethan, I'm so sorry!" Rocky tried to explain.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" I really didn't mean to shout. It was just a tree, but the idea of either of them getting hurt scared me. We both joined Freckle in running the pump so that he could keep dousing the tree with water.

Rocky looked out at the destruction. "I thought we could light candles—"

"Candles? Rocky, we have lights for a reason."

"I wanted to give it a traditional flare!" He tried to explain.

"Well, you sure flared something, alright!"

Everyone in the house came to watch the fire outside on the porch while us three put out the fire. Within a couple of minutes there was only come charred wood and smoldering pine needles. Of course, the timing was impeccable for Wick and Mitzi to come up the driveway in Sable's newest automobile purchase. Swerving around the fallen tree, Wick came to a quick halt and got out the car. "My goodness! Are you boys alright?

Mitzi climbed out of the passenger seat, wrapping a scarf around her neck. "Who did this to that beautiful tree?"

"Take a guess." I replied. Rocky was trying desperately to explain himself. "I'm sorry! Please forgive me!"

"Rocky, getting another tree isn't that big of a deal. You and Freckle getting hurt is a big deal though. You've got responsibilities now; you can't keep pulling stunts like this."

I could see tears starting to form in the corners of his eyes, so I patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, like I said, the tree isn't that big of a deal. We'll just get another one next year."

"No tree for Christmas?" Riley asked, saddened by what she just saw.

"Yep, sorry kiddo, but there's no sense getting another one when we'd get rid of it in a week or two anyway. But hey, there's still plenty to celebrate! Now, I think we're only missing the Arbogasts. Come on boys, let's get this thing out of the way."

As we heaved the tree around the backside of the house, another car rolled in. Bobby honked the horn at us as he pulled up to the house. Getting out, he immediately pieced together what happened. "The tree didn't last too long, did it lads?"

"No, apparently Rocky learned for the first time that a tree is flammable."

"Hey, you said it wasn't a big deal!" Rocky was looking a bit hurt that I kept bringing it up.

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you live that down."

Bobby cleared his throat. "Well, I hope you don't mind feeding another guest."

"Of course not, Bobby! Anyone who's a friend of yours is a friend of ours."

"Excellent! In that case come on inside when you're done with that tree, and I'll introduce him to everyone."

"You heard him boys, let's get this out of sight."

Walking in the back door, me and the boys stomped out the snow and mud from our boots and hung up our coats to dry. Rocky shook his head, allowing all manner of woodland debris to fall out of this scalp. It was as if the cap covering his head did little to protect it. Even so, we were all presentable enough for company and famished from a hard days' work. Taking up the rear, I entered the main room last and paused for a moment to take in the scene before me. Friends and family had gathered all around in a display that was a far cry from Christmases Riley, and I had known before.

There was Ivy and Freckle, the cutest young couple on this side of the river. Rocky scooped up the newest edition to the family, a young stray like the rest of us. Riley and Bella were in and out of the kitchen running appetizers around to the others. Freckle had picked up Anna earlier when he went into town to fetch Ivy, and the daughter of Viktor was currently engaged in conversation with Elsa in a rare moment of mutual joy for both of them. Mitzi was on Wick's arm as the two settled into the most comfortable seats in the house near the fireplace. Abelard… well he was just standing their awkwardly, probably waiting for his chance to start another sermon. Finally, Bobby and his guest were catching up on the old times. At least they were when Bobby noticed me looking around. Clearing his throat, Bobby stood up and waited for the conversations to die down.

"Everyone! First, I'd like to thank our gracious hosts tonight. Ethan Kelly as well as Rocky and Freckle. They have opened up their new home which they have labored on for months and for that I am quite grateful. Hats off to you lads!"

Cheers erupted from the others, and while Rocky was quick to soak up the praise, I preferred to remain modest. "You are all family here and are welcome any time, we certainly don't require extra praise."

"You shall have it all the same. To our boys!" Wick raised a glass. Reluctantly, I joined in the toast. "And to a good year." I added. Once finished, Bobby then motioned for his guest to stand up.

"The second thing I'd like to do tonight is introduce you all to a friend of mine from Europe. This fine feline is Johann Weber. We met in the war and have remained friends ever since. However, it is not until a week ago that he was able to board a ship and come to visit us here in America."

Johann wanted to speak as well, and so we listened closely as the man began to speak excellent English, though with a very thick accent. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I have come all the way from Munich to once again meet my good friend, Robert. I have only been in your country for two days but already I feel so welcome here. So I say thank you, Mister Kelly, for allowing me into your home.

While everyone was fascinated by Bobby's friend, it occurred to me that it was odd that a British veteran would have befriended a German in the war. Conversations soon diverted back to what they were, yet Bobby and Johann approached me. I extended my hand to shake theirs. "I'm glad you made it here safe, Bobby. And I trust the journey for your friend has been pleasant."

"Indeed, young man. Thank you again. Bobby has told me that you were also in the war, yet you look quite young."

"Bobby is correct, sir. I was drafted in 1918 and served at the end of the war."

"Where at, if I may ask?"

Months ago such a question would have thrown me, but I was slowly getting used to it and accepting that people would be curious no matter what. "I was in the Argonne, sir. Near Charlevaux."

"Oh, that was not a good time."

"Quite the understatement, I'd say."

"Yes. It is too bad. But I see you have family and friends to help you."

"And for that I am eternally grateful. Now then, would you gentlemen like something to drink or eat? I'm sure the ladies almost have the food ready."

Johann put his hand up. "I am fine, for now. I would actually like to repay your hospitality by helping you find a new tree."

"A new tree? Sir, I appreciate the offer, but it is dark, and you are my guest. It is just a plant, gentlemen. A tree can wait until next year.

"Next year?" Bobby questioned. "But its Christmas, you must have a tree!" Johan added to the argument. "My dear boy, a Christmas tree is not just a tree, it is so much more!"

Bobby then turned around and yelled out. "A show of hands, ladies and lads. Who would like to see a Christmas tree tonight?" Everyone raised their hands or a glass of our finest stock. "The ayes have it, lad. You've done plenty tonight, Ethan. We shall return with a tree of our own."

"But—"

"Consider it a gift, Ethan. Now please, enjoy your home. This shouldn't take too long."

Seeing as the two were committed to the cause, I left them to it. Ivy inched over to me as she saw the pair leaving. "So where are those two going?"

"Apparently, to get a tree."

"At this time of day? Aren't they afraid of getting lost?"

"Trust me on this, Ivy. They've gone through worse. Not that it makes any more sense, but if those two wishes to provide us with a new tree, I'm not going to stand in the way."

"I wonder why…"

"Because they're a couple of middle-aged men with something to prove?" I guessed, but Ivy shook her head. "No, there's more to it than that."

"Not that it makes much difference. Oh well, if they aren't back in an hour, I'll go find them before it gets too cold."

While Ivy appeared to agree, I could tell she was obsessed with knowing more. Suddenly, it was as if a light bulb turned on above her head. "I know who we can ask!"

"Ask what?" I replied.

"We should ask Elsa!"

"Um, okay…"

In a flash, Ivy was next to the quiet former nurse. "Excuse me, Mrs. Bastion?"

Sighing, Elsa broke off her conversation with Anna. "Yes, Ivy?"

"Why does Bobby and his new friend care so much about getting Ethan a Christmas tree?"

"Oh. Well, it has to do with the war. Personally, I rather doubt Bobby's story. Always sounded a little far-fetched to me."

"How so?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's alright, ma'am. We certainly aren't owed an answer. And Ivy, you sure ask a lot of questions for a getaway driver."

"Oh come on, I need to know! Ethan, don't you want to know how a British and a German soldier became such good friends?"

"I'll admit to being curious, but—"

"Enemies become friends? Oh, now this is a tale that must be told. So sing a ballad for us, if you please Mrs. Bastion." Rocky asked while bowing in her direction.

"Do your young minds not know how to show some respect for privacy?" Abelard growled at us, though Elsa was quick to cool his temper. "It's alright, brother, they aren't causing harm by asking."

"You have a story to tell?" Riley asked innocently. "I like stories!"

Elsa couldn't resist the temptation. Besides, Bobby had always said that this was a story others ought to know about. "Alright, alright, I will tell the story. Though you all should note that I am not going to tell this as well as my husband can."

The fire crackled as I put another log into the flame. All eyes and ears gathered around as Elsa took a seat in the center of the room, making sure that the youngest among us had a front-row seat. "What I'm about to tell you is, according to Bobby, a real event. However, I haven't heard of this from anyone else in the years since, so I doubt it is true. What I do know is that Bobby somehow became friends with Johann despite them being enemies."

Even Wick and Mitzi were interested to hear this one.

"Please do continue, a story of enemies becoming friends is usually quite warming to the soul."

"In that case, let's get this over with before those two come back." Elsa took one more look around. "It all started…"