I must send you a Christmas message of love to-night, as this may
reach you on Christmas Day, or even later.
We came into trenches to-day, and shall likely be in for Christmas.
Everyone is very cheerful. Friends at home have been specially kind
in sending parcels out. The men seem to have loads of good things to
eat, and are really very well provided for in that respect. Of
course the mud and water that is everywhere does not form the most
pleasant surroundings for enjoying these good things, but against all
that there is the deep satisfaction in knowing that they are in the
place where they can best do their duty, and that makes up for a
great deal of discomfort.