My Perfect Holiday I knew it was a dream as soon as I opened my eyes. I could see the cobble stones poking out of the freshly laid snow. I followed the path with my eyes and I saw the house I knew was going to be there; it was dark and looming. I usually awoke before I got to actually walking down the path, but today I was not as lucky. My feet moved by themselves and before I knew it I was at the door; It was open and I entered. The house presented genius loci like an award. My feet kept moving no matter how much I tried to stop them. I then entered a room with a huge chair. “So you’re here finally...â€, the voice emanated from the chair. A figure appeared in-distinct, but there. “I need your help, I’m the spirit of Christmas. I’m afraid that people will not celebrate the wonder of Christmas with this war going on.†When it spoke the figures' mouth didn't move. “H..how can I help?â€. “I'm not sure you can, but you can try.†“W...what ..S..should I do?†The figure let out a long sigh. “If I knew that I wouldn't have looked for someone to help me.†The figure disappeared and my body seemed to fall through the floor. I awoke in my bed (or what passed for a bed in the trench). I felt cold and itchy. Was that a dream or was it real? I sat up and was desperately trying to think. I'd had the dream for several weeks now. What on Earth could I do to help him in a trench in the middle of no-where? A thought came to me; so I went to find the Commander. When I found him I asked if we could talk quietly for a minute. We went to his dug-out and he offered me a seat. “So what was it you wanted so desperately to talk to me about, soldier?â€. It was his job to improve moral and keep the men sane. “I've had a good idea to help boost moral.†I hoped that he would agree. “Well man, are you going to tell me or keep it to yourself?†“Is there any reason why we couldn't celebrate Christmas with a little party in one of the dug-outs, you know a bit of food, a bit of drink? And every one could come because we could change the guard, like at night.†He looked uninspired by the idea. “I've heard this before. I've said no so many times to this kind of thing.†“But sir, if we could organise it, it would give the men so much hope, which we don't have right now. Look at how we are, we live in holes, we eat rations, we don't have half the equipment we need. The men are thinking it’s better to surrender and go home than stay here and fight!†I left the Commander in a stunned silence. I awoke the next day to see the Commander looking down at me. “You're getting your party. I have no choice. The men are as down as you say. So you are in charge of the party preparations.†He walked off. I quickly got up and dressed to find some people to help be gather the necessary rations. I was surprised to find so many people willing to give up their meagre rations to make a Christmas party. We only had one day to arrange it all. That night I had the dream again, but it was very different, the house ceased had its looming, the trepidation i fealt had dissapated. “You have done the impossible. If soldiers in the middle of a war can celebrate Christmas, then the whole world can. I now feel like Christmas can be saved. Thank you. How can I repay you for this?†I smiled “I would like the rest of the soldier to have a Christmas too.†The next day I awoke and it was quiet. I went outside and saw something incredible. The top of the trench was crowed with German soldiers. I heard one of the soldiers talking to the Germans. “Well yes we are having a party tonight, why do you want to know?†The German soldier answered. “We want to join you. Can we?†The first soldier asked “How did you know about the party?†The German replied sheepishly “It was strange, a figure came to me in a dream, and told me you would be holding a party and that we where invited.†We accepted their request to join us and took up the food and drink to no-mans-land. One of the Germans had a gramophone . So there we where both sides in no-mans-land, not fighting but playing music and football, eating and drinking as friends and family. The festivities lasted till the next day, but the time we had together was good. Boxing day we went back to fighting, but we had spent Christmas having fun. That was my perfect holiday. “That was a good story Granddad.†“Good I'm glad you liked it. Now time for sleep or Santa won't come and leave presents for you.†word count : 883 my inspiration : Christmas in the trenches 1914