In 1967 the Royal Guardsmen released “Snoopy’s Christmas.” The song, which followed up their hit “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron,” is a favorite on many radio stations this time of year. In the song, Snoopy goes up against German ace fighter pilot “the Red Baron” on Christmas Eve during World War I. In the end, the Baron invites Snoopy to land with him; the pair exchange Christmas wishes, and part ways “each knowing they’d meet on some other day.”
The song echoes the wish for peace on earth and goodwill to man that so many talk about this time of year. What many people do not realize, however, is that in Christmas of 1914 Allied and German soldiers actually did pause from fighting to celebrate Christmas together.
The event has gone down in history as “The Christmas Truce of 1914.” Soldiers from both sides left their trenches and crossed the lines of battle unarmed. They sang songs together, exchanged food and small gifts, and played soccer. Against the backdrop of something so horrific as World War I, men still found it in their hearts to treat each other like men at least for one day.
“Snoopy’s Christmas” is a lighthearted retelling of that story, but the message is still there. At Family Council, we are so glad to have friends like you standing with us in the fight preserve, protect, and strengthen traditional family values. If you have not already done so, I hope you will make a generous, tax-deductible gift of $50 on our website to help us finish 2013 strong and begin 2014 with confidence. Click here to donate.
In the spirit of peace and goodwill this Christmas season, I hope you and your family have a very “Snoopy” Christmas.
