ANNE GREENE here:
Christmas is a major holiday in the United States, but during
World War II, 1941-1945 Christmas had a special meaning. Most families had a
loved one serving in the military who could not be home for Christmas. Peace on Earth was no longer just a
nice phrase found on Christmas cards, but the number one prayer of Americans
everywhere. The Christmas season gave hope
that while this year many were away, maybe next year the war would end and
missing family members would return home.
Before the war, America still recovered from the great depression when money and jobs
were scarce. Shoppers had often been limited to window shopping, not having any
extra money to purchase gifts. When the war began, war production went into
high gear bringing good-paying jobs and additional income. But, there was
little to buy as rationing left few
goods on the shelves. Metal toys nearly disappeared as did automobiles, radios,
bicycles, typewriters, and other goods.
Christmas is a major holiday in the United States, but during
World War II, 1941-1945 Christmas had a special meaning. Most families had a
loved one serving in the military who could not be home for Christmas. Peace on Earth was no longer just a
nice phrase found on Christmas cards, but the number one prayer of Americans
everywhere. The Christmas season gave hope
that while this year many were away, maybe next year the war would end and
missing family members would return home.
On the Home Front, Americans tried to celebrate Christmas. Families dealt with painful
separations and lost loved ones which made the holiday agonizing. But those
keeping the home front fires burning worked hard at making Christmas merry for the children.
Before the war, America still recovered from the great depression when money and jobs
were scarce. Shoppers had often been limited to window shopping, not having any
extra money to purchase gifts. When the war began, war production went into
high gear bringing good-paying jobs and additional income. But, there was
little to buy as rationing left few
goods on the shelves. Metal toys nearly disappeared as did automobiles, radios,
bicycles, typewriters, and other goods.
Wartime production priorities restricted the presents
children could receive for Christmas. Santa Claus had to tell the kids to lower
their expectations. Santa explained that a particular toy had too much steel in
it, and that steel was needed for the war. If a child seemed disappointed, Santa
told the child that some children living in the countries where the war was
fought would have no Christmas. With the shortage of men, Santa was often a woman.
The song, White Christmas, debuted in 1942. Sung
by Bing Crosby the tune became an instant success as its peaceful feeling hit
home with those on the home front and those on the battle front. I’ll
Be Home for Christmas debuted in 1943. The words touched the hearts of
separated loved ones. Both songs are still classics sung at Christmas.
For the soldiers, sailors and airmen overseas,
military necessity and lack of accommodations forced them to have minimal
celebrations. Many of the boys serving overseas got the blues. But presents
from home cheered them.
A story of
a woman in a man’s domain set against the dynamics of World War II is a
can’t-miss scenario. Angel With Steel Wings paints a vivid picture of
courageous pilots facing death in the air while struggling with love on the
ground, and wraps it up in a unique twist that will challenge all you knew
about the “Greatest Generation.” Steeped in history and framed by faith, this
is a tale that takes readers into a world now all but forgotten, and lands in a
place that touches the heart in a special way. To know how far we have come, we
must understand where we started, and Angels With Steel Wings takes us
back on a thrilling trip in time that informs as it entertains. I think this is
one flight you won’t want to miss.
Do you have a
Christmas story you’d like to share? Maybe a soldier or someone in your family
shared his or her experience. Maybe you have a story of how a child at home
felt during those years at Christmas from 1941 to 1945. I’d love to hear your
stories. Please leave a comment.
Leave a comment and one lucky winner will win my
WWII book, Angel With Steel Wings.
Buy any one or all seven of Anne’s book on http://www.Amazon.com.
Ace Collins,
bestselling author of numerous books, including the WW II series, In the
President’s Service, says of ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS:
A story of
a woman in a man’s domain set against the dynamics of World War II is a
can’t-miss scenario. Angel With Steel Wings paints a vivid picture of
courageous pilots facing death in the air while struggling with love on the
ground, and wraps it up in a unique twist that will challenge all you knew
about the “Greatest Generation.” Steeped in history and framed by faith, this
is a tale that takes readers into a world now all but forgotten, and lands in a
place that touches the heart in a special way. To know how far we have come, we
must understand where we started, and Angels With Steel Wings takes us
back on a thrilling trip in time that informs as it entertains. I think this is
one flight you won’t want to miss.
ANNE GREENE delights in writing
about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer, and
about gutsy heroines. Her novellas, A
CHRISTMAS BELLE, and A GROOM FOR
CHRISTMAS are now available. Her Women of Courage Series spotlights
heroic women of World War II, with the first book ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS
available. Enjoy her private investigating series, Handcuffed In Texas by
reading the first book, Holly Garden, PI, RED IS FOR ROOKIE. Try
her award-winning Scottish historical romances, MASQUERADE MARRIAGE and MARRIAE
BY ARRANGEMENT. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the
reader to an awesome new world and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual
relationship with the Lord Jesus. Buy Anne’s books on http://www.Amazon.com.
I only had an uncle who served during WWII but never talked about his experience.
ReplyDeleteI only had an uncle as well. He was extremely young and on the navy. I never heard him mention a word about his service either. He joined right out of high school. Thanks, Kim, for visiting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this special post, Anne!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
I have an uncle who was in the RAF and captured by Germans. He was MIA for several years. His son in law wrote his story. Sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the post, Anne. Thank you for sharing the info on this momentum time in world history. My hubby's father served during WWII in the European theater. He wrote many letters, some at Christmastime. Many of his letters to my MIL I have. My uncles served in the army and navy. Love to win a copy of Angel With Steel Wings.
ReplyDeletepatjeannedavis(at)comcast(dot)net