Dec. 26, 1942

Sgt. A.C. Meredith 13032567

8^th Fighter Control Sqdn.

8^th Fighter Group A.P.O. 928

c/o Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Mom, Dad & Marie,

Well here I am again and this time to tell you about Christmas in New Guniea.

Christmas was a success with me as I received packages from Aunt Sessie, the boys in Fredericksburg, the American Red Cross and you. All were just swell.

There was a midnight Mass but I did not go. Instead I went Christmas morning and received Holy Communion. Speaking of Mass and Holy Communion, it has been possible to hear and receive both on Saturday nights. This is made possible by a special dispensation. At first it seemed a bit unusual to go to Mass at night or evening but now we have to become accustomed to it. Fasting is not required in order to receive Holy Communion. This also by dispensation.

Our Christmas dinner was very good and we stuffed ourselves to the limit. Shame on us. We had some grand ham, candied sweet potatoes, creamed peas, macaroni and cheese & grapefruit juice. Also apples, oranges, and Christmas candies. In between meals we had plum pudding (English) and cream over it. I waddled like a duck after that. It would take up too much space to tell you of all the things that came in the packages, but they were all swell.

The letter with the clippings arrived. This was your letter of Dec. 8. Keep sending clippings as I enjoy them a lot. Many of the fellows received newspapers and from there and the radio we can keep up with the folks back home.

The allotment has stopped so you will not be seeing any more checks for a while. But I hope to be able to send a bond or two home soon.

Now I must close so keep me flying with the news from home and I will write again soon.

My love to all and Happy New Year too.

Your son,

Aubrey