t one side
was a brilliant imitation of a hearth. Santa Claus (alias Corporal Pond)
handed out the packages which the men of the battery had contributed to
his pack the evening before and also a package of cigarettes to each
man, the gift of Captain Robbins. Later in the day were distributed
boxes of candy, a pound box for each man, which were the gift of Major
and Mrs. Judah. During the morning Major Redden passed through the
barracks, and his greetings for the day were returned heartily and
vociferously.

At 3:30 was served dinner, an array of turkey, mashed potatoes,
dressing, gravy, apple pie and cocoa that more than extinguished a man's
appetite. In the evening the band played. The infectious rhythm of
"Allah's Holiday" and similar pieces drew the men from their letters,
card-games, magazines, etc., and soon the street was filled with a
singing, dancing throng of soldiers. Soon all, soldiers and band,
paraded to the officers' quarters. Nothing would satisfy them but Major
Redden's appearance and a speech from him. This he gave, to the delight
of all the men. Then he passed out cigars till they were gone, and ended
with regrets that there were not more and a hope that another Christmas
would see all of them home in the midst of all comfort.

The New Year was introduced in true military fashion. The band played
the old year out. At one minute before midnight, "Taps" was blown. Then,
immediately, "First Call" announced the new year, and "Reveille"
ushered in 1918.

With the new year began our preparations for service at the front. At
8:30 New Year's day, the regiment was inspected by Colonel Reilly in its
field equipment of steel helmets, woolen helmets, packs, side-arms and
rubber boots. Our "tin derbies" had been issued the evening before, and
were just beginning to furnish the unfailing fascination of revealing
their long list of varied uses: candle-stick, camp-stool, market-basket,
cymbals, wash basin, etc.

There was no turkey on this holiday, but the menu was pretty nearly as
good as on preceding fete-days: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, creamed
carrots, lettuce salad, apple cobbler and coffee. In the packages from
home were ample additions to the battery mess in the form of candy,
cake, cookies and occasionally cocoa. The three stoves, at each end and
in the middle of the long shack, formed the centers of parties limited
in size to the number who could squeeze into the warm circle. The
others, engaged in rea