Here's The Real Significance Of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Here's The Real Significance Of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'

Join forces with our soldiers this holiday season.

1877
Here's The Real Significance Of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'
US Department of Defense

In 1943 at the peak of World War II, Bing Crosby released the ever-popular “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and stirred the hearts of war-time Americans on the Homefront and overseas. Over time, other vocalists recorded their version of this timeless classic, but no one quite measures up to Crosby’s beautiful rendition.

The lyrics of this Christmas classic come from the perspective of a World War II soldier with the longing to be home on Christmas day, and many credit Crosby for boosting the morale of the military because of the resonance they found within this evocative song. In the timeless classic originally penned by James 'Kim' Gannon, the universal longing for home is displayed.

Home. Few words parallel the pleasure and joy associated with this word of comfort. Our hearts long for home and family more during the Christmas season than anytime else in the year. Our hearts desire the familiar feeling of enjoying time in the presence of those we love. O

ur hearts ache for the keeping of age-old traditions as we sit under the glow of a Christmas tree, but coming home for Christmas is not a reality for many.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” reflects the sometimes unattainable desire to come home as the song ends with a mournful phrase: “I’ll be home for Christmas / if only in my dreams…”

The next time I hear this Christmas song, I will think of those spending Christmas in camouflage and combat boots. Remember our soldiers (and their families) this Christmas who celebrate their Christmases overseas so we can celebrate ours in safety. Remember those who celebrate Christmas an ocean away from their loved ones because there really is no place like home for the holidays.

This Christmas, I am especially thankful for the men and women who spend their Christmas in war so we may spend ours in peace.

To support our troops and help them feel a little closer to home this Christmas season, consider sending a care package or letter to a soldier overseas: https://supportourtroops.org/care-packages

Join forces with our soldiers this holiday season.

Sources:

https://www.coldwellbanker.com/blog/the-story-of-i...

http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-histor...

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

470
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

3951
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

2418
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201771
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments