It's not one I hear every year, but the first time I heard it, it instantly became my favorite. It's a poem titled THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt. I didn't serve, but I've got family members who have, so this poem allows me to honor them and the sacrifice they've made for our country. Tear jerker!!
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.
His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.
Soon `round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.
I couldn´t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don´t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don´t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn´t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night´s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn´t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!
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Izeck McRae
Product Manager 2
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2025 10:52
From: Nicole Milliken
Subject: December Question of the Month: What's Your Favorite Holiday Story?
That time of year is upon us where we give, receive, and reminisce. As we enjoy the holiday season, we thought the December Question of the Month should be reflective of that reminiscent spirit. So we ask:
What is your favorite personal holiday story?
It can be a story that everyone loves to re-tell each year or a holiday experience that you'd like to share. Answer our December QOTM and you'll earn a new badge for your community profile!
I'll go first:
My mom loved to make Christmas more interesting for us kids, so she'd write on little scraps of paper our clues for the Christmas Scavenger Hunt. We'd look everywhere and find little gifts hidden and the hunt just made it even better! One year, we had a cryptic clue and searched the entire house to only come up empty handed. We found out hours later the gift was actually in the backyard in the form of a trampoline!
It was such a surprise and a great way to brighten up the gift reveals!
Now you go! Can't wait to see how your holiday stories spice up the season!
#QOTM
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Nicole Milliken
Senior Online Community Video Specialist
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