The war brought many changes and limitations to Christmas festive. Families spent the festive apart from loved ones; many men were fighting abroad or were being held as prisoners of war. Women might also be away in the services or carrying out war work. Children spent Christmas away from home as evacuees without gifts and luxuries because they were hard to come by when basic foods were scarce. Soldiers on the battlefield also did their best to celebrate Christmas. Some soldiers also received gifts from home. The Army and Fleet Post Offices did their best to distribute presents quickly. Some bases and battalions arranged Santa visits, concerts, lunches, drinks, and parties. Take a look at these historical photos showing Christmas celebrations during and after wartime.
in WWII