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

Join forces with our soldiers this holiday season.

Emily Wood

Dec 07, 2017

Liberty University

1902

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...

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

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

Join forces with our soldiers this holiday season.

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#EnglishMajorProbs

You are basically a zombie with a pencil.

You receive confused looks from others when you name drop an author/literary terminology.

You wear your suffering as a badge.

You proofread every text and social media post you write.

You cringe when you read a non-English major's paper,

You could spend all day in a library.

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

The good old days are always happening now, so live in the moment.

“Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica” are the three most important topics one can talk about.

The Dundies are cooler than the Oscars.

Everybody has a Toby, and they are just someone you have to learn to deal with.

Group pictures are hard to take (especially jumping pics).

It's never too early to eat ice cream.

Schrute’s are always prepared for anything.

Except pop culture references...

Holidays are important and a very good reason to host any kind of party.

There will always be cynical co-workers to deal with.

Putting things in Jell-O is a great use of your time.

Sometimes funny voices and personas make awkward situations easier (just ask Prison Mike).

That places you may not always love can bring you the people you love.

Determination is an important characteristic to possess.

Sarcasm is essential in everyday life.

Love can be really weird.

At Halloween time, it is trivial to come with your best costume ready.

Friendship is long lasting no matter where the future takes you.

Pranks are funny no matter the age.

Goodbyes are hard, but reunions are worth it.

Blogs are confusing.

"That's what she said" jokes will never get old.

Jim Halpert can say so much with just a look at the camera.

Bros should always come before hoes because...

Declaring bankruptcy isn't as hard as we all thought.

Office places can be weird and stressful at times.

Michael Scott loves Dunder Mifflin and the Scranton Office more than anything.

"The Office" truly does have a lot that it can teach us.

Ah, pre-med: home of the dead at heart.

1. You have forsaken all your friends for coffee.

2. 8 hours of sleep? Try 4 instead.

3. Everyone asks you for medical advice, even though you’re not a doctor yet.

4. Your second home is the library.

5. Almost all of your nightmares are about school and exams.

6. You don’t see the problem with taking 3 technicals in one semester.

7. Research, research, research, research, research.

8. You volunteer more than any of your friends.

9. You like going to labs more than going to lecture.

10. But, you know it’ll all be worth the struggle the day you don that white coat and call yourself a doctor.

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

A book by the name of "The Stranger."

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