Honolulu star-bulletin., 1917-12-26
fA.soe,,t,d Pres, BY U. s. Naval Wirslsss.l

(AssoeIated Press by U. s. Naval WirsIesS.)
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN
FRANCE, Dec. 26.-Calling a halt in
the grim business of war for the hap
pier duty of celebrating a patriotic
Christmas, the officers and soldiers OF
the American expeditionary force yes
terday took part in the most unique
holiday ever observed by Americans on
foreign soil.
The expeditionaries really began
their celebration at sundown on Mon
day night, when with one accord the
thousands OF men eapitulated TO Santa
Claus and put aside temporarily their
martial task.
At dusk on Monday light snow
was falling and there was no danger
of an offensive from the epemy on tdat
section of the front held by the Amer,
leans. All the soldiers but those few
most necessary quit their duties on
the front lines, and at the bases and
camps behind the lines, and started to
do the bidding of the 'iovial saint"
temporarily designated as the "com-
manding officer of the American ex.
peditionary force" '.o .. -
Rush to Open Packages
For days huge loads of Christmas
packages had been arriving and these
were received and held undisturbed in
the camps. Immediately after the ces-
sation of military work the packages
were given to the various commands
and there was a great rush to open
them a "a -. \. = ~ -.
g Ssains 81 the it6 sii snow III
being delivered at the docks of the
French ports where the American sup
plies enter, In order to get it to the
men of Pershing's army it was put on
swift motor trucks and lorries and
these rushed at full speed to the va
rious camps.
The headquarters of the first divis-
ion which landed had huge celebra'
ton. elaborate in detail and of the
most wholesomeIy festive character.
The great Y. NJ. C. A. hut was COM
mandeered for the occasion and this
structure was the center OF the festivl-
ties. The curious French children
who flocked around the hall were ex.
cluded by sentries in humorously'
stern manner, the soldiers entering
into the fun quite as much as did the
half.wonderiEs youngsters.
Pretty Ceremony Held
When the door was opened a beauti
full program reminiscent Of the sacred
character of the occasion was given,
beginning with procession Of chill
dren, mostly French, decked in their
best clothes aid accompanied by theft
mothers or refugees driven from the
land occupied by the Germans and now
seeing for the first time the happiness
of an American Christmas.
Suddenly, as the procession of chill
dren appeared. ready to enter the hall,
the lights flashed on, revealing not
only one but miniature forest CT
Christmas trees, deeked with gay toys,
candy, fruit and lighted candles, while
around the bases were piled boxes Of
toys and clothing.
When Santa Claus appeared, a great,
stalwart figure IN the traditional cos.
tune, it suddenly dawned on the
crowds of children, their mothers and
other relatives and friends, and espe-
cially the refugees, that it was not
only a Christmas for les Sammis,"
but for themselves also The soldiers
themselves had provided gifts for the
children and poor families and prac.
ticalIy the entire American division
watched the distribution of gifts.
Not Child Forgotten
Not a child among the thousands
was forgotten Each child received an
individual git Then the soldiers dis.
tributed candies, fruits and toys. The
children laughed and cried with hayf
piness, and many of the mothers broke
down and cried also. while not few
Of the big soldiers in their uniforms
furtiyely wiped their eyes.
Similar entertainments were held
at all bases and camps where the
Americans are quartered Great,
toothsome turkey dinners were
served, there was generous distribu
tion of smokes" and candy. and all in
all the expedftionary force spent real
American Christmas