The Christmas Truce of 1914

In the news: The story

Read a 107-word news story: The night the soldiers stopped fighting

It is December 1914. The First World War started four months ago. British and German soldiers are in trenches, long holes in the ground. It is very cold and wet. Between the two sides there is a field of mud and snow. On Christmas Eve, something strange happens. The German soldiers put small Christmas trees with candles on their trench. They start to sing. The British soldiers listen. Then they sing too. On Christmas Day, some soldiers walk out into the field. They shake hands. They give each other food, cigarettes and small gifts. In some places, they play football. The next day, the war starts again.

Vocabulary: Words to know

6 items

Discussion: Look at the picture

2 discussion questions

• What can you see in the picture? What time of day is it? How does it feel?
• Two enemies give each other gifts. What would you give?

Discussion: Your life

3 discussion questions

• What songs does your family sing at Christmas or at a festival?
• Do you play football? Who do you play with?
• When was the last time you shook hands with someone new? Who was it?

Discussion: Big questions, simple words

3 discussion questions

• Why do you think the soldiers stopped fighting for one day?
• The next day, the war started again. How do you feel about that?
• Is it possible to be friends with an enemy? Yes or no, and why?