This is my favorite poem about the holiday season.  It epitomizes the sacrifice that each soldier, male or female, makes every day of the year.  Whether there is a war or not, these gentle warriors willingly live apart from their loved ones in less than optimum conditions.  These brave soldiers live like this so that you and I may remain free.

Santa Claus and the Soldier

T’was the night before Christmas,

• He lived all alone,
• In a one bedroom house, made of plaster and 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 mantle, just boots filled with sand,
• On the wall hung some pictures of far distant lands.
• With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

A sober thought, came through my mind.

• For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
• I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
• The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
• Curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home.”

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

• Not how I had pictured an American soldier.
• Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
• Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
• I realized the families, that I saw this night,

Owed their lives to these soldiers,

• Who were willing to fight.
• Soon round the world, the children would play,
• And grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas day.
• They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year,

Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

• I couldn’t help wonder, how many lay alone,
• In a cold Christmas eve, in a land far from home.
• 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.”
• The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep,

I couldn’t control it, i continued to weep.

• I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
• And we both shivered, from the cold night’s chill.
• I didn’t want to leave, on that cold, dark, night,
• This guardian of honour, so willing to fight.

When the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

• Whispered, “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.

Heroes at Home Wish Registry

Sears Heroes at Home registry was started to help service families keep close together in spirit even if they are separated by 1000s of miles.  Visit the website and read the wish lists of many soldiers and their families.  No one asks for anything exotic like a Mercedes Benz or a Recreational Vehicle.  No, there are wishes for necessary items, such as baby safety seats, clothing, shoes, dishes, cookware, sheets and bedding, small electrical appliances, coats and boots.  Of course, there are wishes for Wiis, Play stations, dolls, bikes, doll houses, train sets and cameras.  But then, what would Christmas be without children and toys?

I hope you feel called to help this worthy cause. You may donate any amount to the Heroes at Home Wish Registry online.  The donations are not tax deductible because your money will be used to purchase gift cards that will be distributed equally to all the Heroes at Home.

If you cannot afford to give money, please take a moment to leave a message of support for our Heroes on the website.  You may also email your friends about specific families in your state.  Make sure you spread the word about the Heroes at Home Wish Registry

Just because Christmas Day is over, does not mean the need has lessened or the joy of giving has diminished in any way.