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 pictures

Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,

Awards of all kind,

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 disorder,

Not how I pictured

A true British soldier.

Was this the hero,

Of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho,

The floor for a bed?

I realised 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

On 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 did not want to leave

On that cold, dark night,

This Guardian of Honour

So willing to fight.

Then 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."