December 23, 1944

Dear Mom: I haven't received a letter from you since I've been back this time, but I thought I would write to let you know that I'm still alright. Nothing is much different up here excepting that the Germans are getting a little rough. I'm enclosing a picture of the fellows and myself taken on a Liberty ship when we were coming across the channel. Those sure were some haircuts. I hope you have a nice Christmas. We've got a big Christmas tree decorated with everything but the lights. It probably came out of the German forests. You wouldn't have to look very far to find a nice Christmas tree, the woods are full of them. Well Mom, that's about all there is to say so I'll close. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am, Your Son, Pvt. Art

A Note From Rose Art says the song "I'll Be Home For Christmas" was very popular among the GI's during WWII. Many of them were very homesick and not too optimistic that they would see their families anytime soon. They often changed the lyrics of the song to reflect this cynicism, such as: I'll Be Home For Christmas... 1963. (Please sing the above line to the tune of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas') He also vividly remembers a few other variations on the lyrics. However, in the interest of the younger members of our audience, we'll refrain from posting them at our web site. :-)