Christmas Night

My dearest Hal,

Last night as I was busy playing Santa Claus I wished so much that you could have been here to help. But the time when I really wanted you most was this morning to see how delighted Sam was with his presents. He loved them. He said “Oh! I wish my Daddy could see my erector set. I got everything I asked for and some more besides. I’m just tickled pink.” He has been so sweet about Christmas this year. We mended some of his outgrown toys and fixed up a box of toys and food for a black family who lives at the place now. There are seven small children and they are dreadfully poor. The man works for Mr. Flory and I hope he makes enough to feed them but I know they don’t have much. Then too, the woman who comes to clean for us once a week is a widow with three children and we fixed a Christmas box for them too. Sam gave up his old toys willingly and helped fix up the boxes. He was so sweet and unselfish about doing something for others. This helped us keep our spirits up because we were so busy.

Today I wanted you most dreadfully. We have wished each other happiness at this season for many years now but we shall wish them together for many years to come. My family tried very hard to make up to me for my being alone this year. I really do feel alone when you are not with me.

They gave me a lovely saddle leather pocket book and a pair of pigskin gloves. I needed both very much. Peggy helped Sam shop for his Mother and he gave me some of my “apple blossom” perfume. Remember? I shall save some until you come back, until then, remember those nights when you fell asleep with the scent of it like spring time in the air about us. We never even knew how blessed we were, did we darling? There must be many, many loved ones who are bravely trying to keep alive Christmas spirit this year even though they are separated at least we know no one else is taking the place of the beloved one in your heart or mine. I feel I’m rich in having love like that even though it comes to me half way around the world. I know that surely some day it will be here again. Until that day comes you must feel that my love and prayers go winging on their way to you every minute of the day.

Sam got many lovely things for Christmas. I think everyone was feeling just a little sorry for him because his Daddy was not here. Auntie sent him a book. Aunt Annie and Uncle Hill sent a coloring book and a storybook. Bill sent him a box of blocks to build ships. Elizabeth and Wilbur sent him a subscription to a magazine for children, “Jack and Jill.” Harry Nash gave him a submarine. Mother gave him a shooting game that I know you would enjoy very much. Peggy gave him a tool chest, which is the delight of his life. “Nana” gave him a beautiful set of model-clay and that is his favorite plaything. This is a beautiful set with cutters and molds and lots of colored clay. Sam just beamed when he opened it up. Daddy gave him another set of farm implements. Santa Claus brought the erector set and a printing press, a fishing game and I gave him a lovely book. Mary Byrd sent him a book. Jane Byrd sent a hammer and nails. Blackie sent a book, a silver dollar and a box of candy. Sonny sent him some socks. Bob sent $1.00 for defense stamps. So he really did have a lovely Christmas. He is a truly sweet and grateful child and I would have given anything on earth if you could have spent this day with him.

He loves you very, very dearly. Write us often. Your letters help so much.

All my love,

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