SABATON - Christmas Truce (Official Lyric Video)

[@Sabaton]

On December 24, 1914, an unofficial Christmas Truce was enforced on the Western Front. An act of trust and harmony, British and German soldiers mingled and played games together in the midst of one of the most atrocious events of the 20th century - World War I. Read more about the Christmas Truce of 1914 👉 www.sabaton.net/historical-facts/christmas-truce-was-enforced/ ➞ SUBSCRIBE for more Sabaton: sabat.one/KZbin ➞ MERCHANDISE Official Store: sabat.one/ytdshop

[@prideofanationbismarck4877]

All of it!

[@mariakurucova1793]

YES

[@adammax-lino5605]

Today we're all brothers. Tonight we're all friends.

[@wolff865]

The end. It is just too good

[@jemman2906]

It's all so good, but if I have to choose it has to be 'And today we're all brothers, tonight we're all friends.'

[@pretzelbomb6105]

For four years the world went mad, and on December 25th, 1914, the soldiers went so mad they did the sanest thing they possibly could.

[@averongodoffire8098]

When the only real victory during a war was when it stopped one can assume why

[@cuppajoewithjoe2148]

My dude, no hyperbole, this is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.

[@feliciagaming]

I think they even could end the war simply by them self

[@mileshill7196]

And the most dangerous. They dared to see the enemy as people.

[@hoplite2405]

and it will never happen again, sadly.

[@d-thurow96]

As the times pass, the more epic Sabaton becomes.

[@Echo2-2]

Such is the way of time

[@FF15EASY]

They are like a wine, only gets better with time♡

[@ChrisRC2008]

Agree

[@omarbarrientoscamacho8815]

I totally agree

[@robertoorrego4374]

I disagree they've always been peak epicness

[@kertaadams]

"And we were used to the violence Then all the cannons went silent" gives me chills every time

[@entonduck]

Yeah me too, imagine you hear every day artillery fire and then one day is just silence

[@EJ_Red]

Just the idea of hearing artillery fire every day then finally nothing but silence during the Winter season sounds surreal, God bless the soldiers who fought and may those that never made it home rest in His arms

[@kertaadams]

Didn´t think that the comment would become so popular. Now lets get Sabaton answer to this!

[@superspaceman34]

@@EJ_Red Amen, friend.

[@mihi_1]

right?? the entire song gives me chills 😭

[@ProSolution136]

For years “the last stand” was one of Sabaton’s most epic songs by far, but “christmas truce” is an absolute masterpiece of music. I hope that this song reaches as many people as possible in the world and lets them go through their minds. Merry Christmas

[@lorddevilfish5868]

Even though it’s a cover Twilight of the Thunder God is a favorite of mine

[@funfactor4528]

@@lorddevilfish5868 that's also a good one. My all time favorite Sabaton song is steel commanders just because I'm a HUGE tank fan. I just love everything to do with tanks!!!!

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@lorddevilfish5868 also the camouflage cover. And the beast cover. And every cover they ever did beside jawbreaker

[@TheTrashCan335]

Have y'all listened to the attack of the dead men yet tho?

[@stephengalindo6340]

That was my thought too

[@johnathanedwards9054]

History + Christmas + Sabaton + humanity = awesomeness that can't be described!

[@ferisczx737]

yes

[@joseh.gutierrez6850]

One Of Many Best Songs🎉❤. Loved It.

[@gigagalabriel]

"We were soldiers, carried the war on our shoulders" is such a good line, hitting you in the guts and very accurate to the actual events.

[@apexyl5135]

That’s the thing about WWI. There was no clear motivation. Alliances turned it into a two-country conflict to a staggering punch to the world. It was a war of diplomatic blunder, and the soldiers had to carry its weight and take its bullets and it’s weapons, as well as its memory and trauma

[@mikeweppner8865]

"For our nations Is that why we bury our friends?" That line never fails to choke me up a little.

[@mikeweppner8865]

Apexyl, WWI has got to be the single most pointless war in all of human history, and one that could have been easily avoided. A Serbian kills an Austrian Duke and his wife, Austria-Hungary annexes Serbia, Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary. Germany gets dragged into the war due to its alliance with Austria-Hungary. England and France declare war on Germany. Germany tries to keep America out of the war by getting Mexico to invade the US. Mexico refuses, the United States declares war on Germany. And who paid the price? The young men who fought in the trenches for basically nothing but the idiocy of others.

[@Butter_Warrior99]

Respect to the soldiers that recognized the humanity on the other side, and damn those that forced the soldiers hands to continue the bloodshed.

[@markopolo2172]

Here in the UK for me at least this is one of the more rememberable events I got taught in history class because it was taught just before we broke up for the holidays and it was just a really touching tale that just showed some humanity in those dark times of bloodshed

[@crispylizard4348]

And the worst part is that the war was pointless it was just nations seeing who was stronger there was no hitler no Stalin none of that the war did nothing but get millions killed and put a nation into such severe strife it would give rise to the worst dictator the world had ever seen

[@violenceislife1987]

Yes absolutely

[@violenceislife1987]

Princes make war to decide who rules where, and they throw peasants at each other, send the powerless out to kill each other in the cold, while the princes stay in the castles

[@hkchan1339]

@@crispylizard4348 it’s WWI, they entangle themselves with alliances that is like a powder keg. Even the kings and princes didn’t want war to start with

[@Rlyeh_The_Dead]

My wife doesn't like metal, but she loves Christmas. I showed her this song and she cried throughout and then shared it to her family and friends. This song is powerful. Thank you Sabaton for this amazing holiday message!

[@Sabaton]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@archangelofstories5565]

In my opinion, if the meaning of the song is one that can resonate with anyone it doesn't matter what genre it is

[@Kothlim]

She just never heard the right genre.

[@tanukiahs499]

@@Kothlim For real. I used to hate metal and then I discovered Sabaton and Powerwolf. But power metal is the only one I like rn :)

[@Kothlim]

@@tanukiahs499 Listen to Manowar and DragonForce.

[@mikeweppner8865]

"Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes." Something about that hits me right in the feels every time.

[@alexross1816]

To me, it's something about a weapon being set aside on something so pristine and delicate. It's a beautiful contrast.

[@airplanemaster1]

Officers and royalty on both sides: "Don't worry lads, this war will be over by Christmas!" Common Soldiery: *Literally stops the war themselves on Christmas and plays ball together.* Officers: "NO! That's Not how you're suppose to play the game!!"

[@xryazrnoone985]

fr tho its insane how two rivals can stop fighting just because they celebrate the same holidays

[@ronaldthompson4989]

Often drowned out by the atrocities of the national socialists 3 decades later, Germany was on good terms with its neighbors pre WWI, their fleet even holding a joint excersise with the british just weeks before war was declared. Thing was, no one on the continent had thought out the miriad of mutual defense treaties politicians were giving eachother like candy until Austria-Hungary and Serbia went to war over an assassination. Tripping the serbia-russia treaty, tripping the russia-france treaty, tripping the france-britain treaty, tripping the britain-japan treaty, and dragging in all their collonies arround the world. On the other side, the austria-hungary - germany treaty, the germany-ottoman empire treaty, and the austria-hungary -italy treaty and all their colonies (italy however broke their treaty in favor of siezing territory from their "allies." Technically illegal, but no one on the winning side complained) Treaty of Versailles stuck last loser standing with the bill for the whole thing, mploding what was left of their economy and angering quite a few of them.

[@austinkniga-bartlett8657]

Of course that's how you're supposed to play ball.

[@PaulA-hv4cd]

@@xryazrnoone985 Not even the same holiday. British Indian soldiers (Don't know the name for them) were merely reminded of their own holiday.

[@BigBWolf90]

British Expeditionary Force soldiers: wait...is that German walking out in No Man's Land with a Christmas tree? Sergeant-Major: shoot him! Soldier: *oh shut up Sergeant it's Christmas time!*

[@Maugie16]

Frustrated, the Grinch snarled, “This tree is made of steel, It can’t be falled.” Ornaments of Sabaton, Blind Guardian, And Maiden hung proud. “This Who knows his metal,” He whispered aloud “Perhaps I had these people all wrong”

[@ZachEarwood]

damn straight.

[@planktonkrab]

If you had someone made this rhyme, you would have annihilated anyone who remembers Dr. Seuss with nostalgia as your weapon.

[@dancingwiththedead6764]

My grandmother passed away three days ago. This will be the most difficult Christmas I've had so far, but you guys and your music will help me through it. Thank you ❤️🤘🏻

[@LadyNightshade]

I’m sorry for your loss, may your Christmas be better than expected.

[@MaryKrauz]

Hold on, my friend, I also lost my grandmother this year! I embrace you with all my soul! And this music really saves! Из России, с любовью ❤🙏🙌

[@BYRDE1917]

What I coincidence, my grandpa passed away 1 month ago at 59...

[@dancingwiththedead6764]

Thank you guys, I really appreciate it

[@mikatu]

grow a pair!

[@PhoenixT70]

"I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell." -William Tecumseh Sherman

[@chrisb9143]

"War is worse than Hell, for in Hell there are no innocent"

[@jfangm]

"War is cruelty; the crueler it is, the sooner we can be done with it." Robert E. Lee said "(i)t is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it."

[@PyroDesu]

@@chrisb9143 "War isn't Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse. ... There are no innocent bystanders in Hell, but war is chock full of them - little kids, cripples, old ladies. In fact, except for a few of the brass, almost everybody involved is an innocent bystander."

[@vojtechslezak4553]

Don´t tell the children, ardent for some desperate glory, the old lie. Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori.

[@BelialKing901]

"Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war." - Otto Von Bismarck

[@wsleez8749]

As a Soldier myself, that is away from home and family on Christmas for the first time in my life. This hits a little different. I'm gonna leave this on loop for a while.

[@guilhermeddc7605]

Merry Christmas, friend, stay strong

[@shivs_nb]

Merry Christmas. Hope you get to home soon and safe ❤

[@nemember2614]

Erőt, egészséget !

[@darkscorpions9996]

(with a little delay) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ! Send to you all my positive and strong thoughts 💪🏻😉♥️🔥 (Where are you deployed ?)

[@tonyblargh6159]

I hear ya bud. Currently deployed with a wife and 1 and 1/2 year old daughter.

[@georgethomas4567]

A lot of people don't truly understand the turn meaning of Christmas anymore it's all about giving gifts and consumerism to most people. But stories like this are what Christmas is truly about. Loving your fellow man. You could hate each other with a burning passion. But Christmas is that one day a year that should bring people together no matter how briefly. Such a lovely story and amazing song. My grandmother doesn't like rock music but when she heard this song she started to get very emotional. Thank you Sabaton all your music is amazing and I can't wait to hear more from you.

[@gabrielschultz7717]

I hope your grandmother is doing well and merry cristmas from sweden

[@derekperkins57]

I think the Christmas truce fully showed how many.soldiers actually believed in the war. No one wanted to fight. They didn't want to have to be in such a hell they have to do something as disturbing as taking another humans life. Sadly, this truce became illegal by the higher-ups on both sides

[@minderbart1]

@@derekperkins57 the truce was not universal. it only happened on some parts of the western front

[@derekperkins57]

@@minderbart1 I understand that but it does show more where those troops hearts were, it wasn't with their rulers and their politics, it was with their fellow humans having a moment of peace and sanity instead of a frozen hellscape and insanity

[@VictoriaGrigore]

In fact Christmas is about Son of God who was born!

[@RealNoGear]

I consider myself a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas songs, but I shall never be disappointed to hear this song a million times over. What a song! What a story. Thank you Sabaton for this masterpiece! 🔥😎🤘🏻🔥

[@genuinearity8790]

Even Scrooge ended up loving what he hated, so it all works out

[@RealNoGear]

@Wowzern8r 👀

[@MaskedMan66]

Scrooge reformed, you know!

[@jamesgroccia644]

You know what happened in Wisconsin? Someone took their Ford Explorer through a Christmas parade. Now I get the sentiment that Christmas has its month, but this is crazy. 76 trombones went flying through the air

[@kyleheins]

I would guess part of that is due to the song being more.than the empty words most moder christmas songs are.

[@brianeskin]

I never thought Christmas songs and Rock music would work well together. *Until now*

[@Mike-pd6np]

What about Trans Siberian Orchestra? lol

[@ChR0nos_7734]

@@Mike-pd6np and Manowar's Silent Night

[@Juhani96]

How even

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Christopher Lee made a whole metal Christmas album

[@michaelhawkins7389]

Check out The Darkness- Let the bells ring out

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

Somewhere, in a Parallel Universe, I'd like to believe that the Christmas Truce spread, soldiers just started marching Home, removing the Generals and Political Elites who wanted them to keep fighting and they created a Real Peace. Great Job as Usual, Sabaton! LOVED seeing you in Youngstown Ohio a few months ago. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

[@thepodcastcrew1113]

That would've been a nice end to the war, wish it could've happened

[@sirboomsalot4902]

That would have been an awesome way to end the war. However, I doubt the peace would have lasted

[@patrickazzarella6729]

I think it'd be quite impossible, the Belgians and French were never not happy to share Christmas with people invading their land. It was vastly between British and German soldiers

[@historytank5673]

@@patrickazzarella6729 I mean what in this alternative universe, all that would need to have changed is that their was an event to demonstrate the arrogance of the elite. From their the wars futility would place seeds of dobouts and then for Christmas to awaken that defiance and question authority. So yes like you say quiet impossible

[@Sabaton]

Thank you for coming Leslie! Merry Christmas for you too

[@Felix-dv9wn]

107 years after the christmas truce, and now its turned into an epic song.

[@funfactor4528]

And one that does that event justice

[@austinkoontz5466]

Awesome. I agree.

[@thegingergod3122]

Sad that none who took part in the truce ever got to hear it, I'm sure they would all feel honored

[@edwardkenway148]

@@thegingergod3122 that hit hard man

[@sybrandwoudstra9236]

108 years later and the trenches are back.

[@adrianopatton4613]

I'm an italian Math teacher, but should I teach History, I'd make my pupils listen to almost every Sabaton song. This is definitely my favourite Xmas Carol

[@Sabaton]

That's great to hear Adriano!

[@HristoKolevMayvena]

Since the first time I heard this song it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It's a true masterpiece!

[@Sabaton]

Thanks for your words

[@jaketucker2559]

That feeling your feeling I feel it too, if only we could do this with every war…

[@tedlennqvist5391]

@@jaketucker2559 everything is posible, all it takes is one to do it :)

[@kevinibarra6896]

@@Sabaton Happy hollydays Sabaton my best from Venezuela, another song of you make me Cry moved, never disappoint

[@kevinibarra6896]

Me to bro and just like say the song we are all friends today we are brothers tonight we are friends

[@ryanmorrison6197]

"A Christmas on the frontline, we walk among our friends, we don’t think about tomorrow, the battle will commence When we celebrated Christmas, we thought about our friends, those who never made it home, when the battle had commenced" Is my favorite part of the song, and never fails to bring me to tears. Great work guys, keep it up.

[@craigkelly4278]

Crying 😢 😭 😢

[@andarerYT]

I always wonder if that last line is supposed to be sung on the christmas of years after the truce and the friends who never made it home are those they made during the truce and perished after, or the ones on their own side they had already lost before.

[@justtheguy444]

I am crying right now even if it is the 15 th time I hear this

[@emperoremerald7613]

@@justtheguy444 I haven't made it past thirty times without shedding a tear, so I can tell you this road keeps going.

[@nerdothn892]

This is my favourite Christmas song

[@elisacosta57]

They should play this on the radio - I ready heard Mariah Carey but not this one...

[@savagekingtexas_3990]

@@elisacosta57 this blows Maria Caries out of the water

[@eddykidplayzyt]

The Christmas truce is arguably the most beautiful moment in all of history, and sabaton did a great job of representing it in this song. ❤️

[@bodenking]

You’re right. If there was ever a grand debate, the Truce would have a seat there

[@Tyvian135]

Indeed. For German and British soldiers settling things peacefully and helping each other have likely the only real fun they had felt in the war is a beautiful moment. Especially when they presumably buried fallen soldiers as a sign of respect and peace.

[@thescouts4734]

I remember crying side by side with my dad in Phoenix as that theater lit up with everyones phone light... God, thank you so much sabaton, hearing this song and not onlu my first concert featuring you guys, but first concert ever is insane! Best grad present ever... Merry Christmas!!

[@allhandsondik7803]

Same in Denver, plenty of tears from all the crossfaded bastards like me and my friends. The most peaceful pit I've ever been in.

[@venomsigintarma9444]

I was at the same concert. I remember it being as bright as the normal house lights being on. I couldn't help but choke up as well as everyone sang in unison.

[@mangonite7426]

Now this is a Christmas song that won't get old any time soon

[@Memeway_]

A thing I just realized, if you use headphones, when they get to the “We are all friends” part, you can hear each time in a different ear. Representing each side during the truce, forming bonds.

[@ronaldthompson4989]

It gets lost in pop culture, drowned out by the atrocities of the national socialists in WWII, but in the lead up to WWI, Germany was on decent terms with just about all of their neighbors (French still a bit sore about Francis Prussian war) When Ferdinand was assassinated and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, it tripped an immense treaty system no-one had really thought about, instantly dividing the continent Serbia, Russia, France, Britain, versus Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy (who broke their treaty. Technically illegal, but their allies had territory Italy valued).

[@ronaldthompson4989]

Cursed autocorrect

[@TheTurtleGamer196]

oh that's actually cool, it does! i have no clue why @ronaldthompson4989 chose this comment specifically

[@ronaldthompson4989]

@@TheTurtleGamer196 i thought i spelled it out rather well. The Germans were as surprised by the scale things reached as anyone else. And they really were all friends. The evil world conquest trope in a WWII thing hollywood dont let go.

[@michaeloverton04]

Naysayers: "Sabaton sings exclusively about how great war is." Sabaton: "Here's a song about the beauty of the 1914 Christmas Truce: an event that most people have never heard of, and yet may be the inspiration for an iconic line from Metal Gear Solid."

[@j-hackhammer6078]

What line was it in MGS?

[@michaeloverton04]

@@j-hackhammer6078 "War is no reason to end a friendship."

[@balazscsotai8354]

Also people: "Sabaton is only making nazi songs" Sabaton: *Literally has a song about the Polish calvary, a British guy in Arabia, Acient Greeks and the invasion of Belgium by nazis in the POV of the Belgian army*

[@5peciesunkn0wn]

@@balazscsotai8354 not to mention all the "nazi" songs are either a) Rise of *Evil*, literally calling them evil. b) Wehrmacht, discussing if the army at the time was a bunch of evil people doing evil things because they now can, or just a bunch of essentially misguided kids being lead to do evil things (definitely a mix of both). c) Hearts of Iron. How the hell anyone can call that a "Nazi" song is beyond me. It's a general trying to get as many people away from an, admittedly righteously pissed, rampaging Soviet army storming through Berlin. d) Final Solution, anyone who knows history and isn't pothole-water-mouth-sucking-drinkerly stupid knows it's about the Holocaust. And e) Last Battle, which is a song and event that needs a movie. I've probably missed a couple lol. But off the top of my head, only 5 songs out of...probably almost a hundred total.

[@denisjankovic2164]

Also sabaton: here have song about PTSD.

[@saturnsring]

I tear up everytime i hear this song. It is an absolute masterpiece. I wish everyone could hear it at least once

[@Sabaton]

Thanks for your comment!

[@tanukiahs499]

In december, I'll listen to it every days. I already do now but-

[@lokthrylarsen9492]

rather this than all i want for Christmas is you

[@p75369]

Another year another playing of this masterpiece. So beautifully captures both the contrasting melancholy and hope of this event.

[@Sabaton]

Thanks for your appreciation

[@akumaking1]

@@Sabatonwill this song be played live anytime soon?

[@philosophichuman1507]

@@akumaking1 who cares? Merry christmas!

[@nikvasill8327]

The Christmas spirit...

[@Peu_32]

Is beatiful

[@davidty2006]

Just like this song

[@officialxverzusz]

"Oh I remember the sadness, We were hiding our tears" And so am I listening to this song in the middle of April

[@Bri-sr8dx]

this song still hits so hard no matter what month it is tbh

[@jaffarebellion292]

"Voices sang to me from no man's land" Every time I hear that line, I tear up a bit. When you think about the sounds usually coming from no man's land, i.e. screaming, distant artillery, and an endless cacophony of gunfire, just the thought of all that going silent, only to be replaced by singing; there's just something beautifully haunting about it.

[@napshegy]

This song is truly a masterpiece. It inspired me to write a christmas play, and on 25th of December a group of young students will perform it in front of a full crowd. Now I can't listen to this song, without a few tears.

[@MLittleBrony]

shout-out to Sabaton for being the first band to incorporate chopped onions into their songs

[@TheGuardianOfTheRoad]

what

[@phill28]

“We are all friends. And today we are brother tonight we are friends our moment of peace in war that never ends” best line hands down

[@CaesarJulius99711]

No argument here!!!! Was singing the chorus all day because it hits hard.

[@eldiglett]

Yeah. there is no lying

[@suola-sirotin]

nah that would have to be ""we were soldiers, carried the war on our shoulders" the entire song is a masterpiece tho

[@mcclassy1206]

today we're all brothers, tonight we're all friends, a moment of peace, in a war that never ends. Thank you Sabaton and happy holidays!

[@Ultraguy1209]

WE DRINK AND UNITE

[@ДарьяГорякина-о7в]

Merry Christmas to u, my dear friend.

[@MrKrankerrrr]

This song actually makes 100% of my Christmas Feeling so far 😅

[@evolgenius1150]

99! almost there!

[@jonpowell4246]

With human unity on the verge of death and modern society treating the spirit of Christmas as a media commercial racket. Listening to this is the one thing that gives me comfort every year in December. Thank you Sabaton. Merry Christmas.

[@drdiabeetus4419]

I think the most amazing thing about the truce is that it wasn’t one single person’s idea. All across the front line, scores of men all came to the same conclusion of “Why are we fighting? It’s Christmas.” And decided to defy orders and act on that idea, even though it could lead to their deaths. Merry Christmas everyone.

[@GraingyAircraft]

They got sick of each other by 1915, sadly. And officers got a bit better at crushing decency.

[@reaper_guardian_8214]

Finally! This is one of the most touching of your songs, even above No Bullets Fly. Really looking forward to the concert in Munich, can't wait to see you.

[@AlexVardr]

Probably not gonna happen since we are going down the shitter in wave 4 as you might have noticed.

[@unorthodoxspork5634]

No Bullets Fly was supposed to be touching? I thought the Price of a Mile, Cliffs of Gallipoli and Konungens Likfärd were waaay more touching than No Bullets Fly

[@Nikrosoft]

@@unorthodoxspork5634 Have you watched the animated video of no bullets fly?

[@unorthodoxspork5634]

@@Nikrosoft Yeah I have and I get that it's a very honourable deed but it's not a touching song like the ones I listed

[@unorthodoxspork5634]

@VidsOf2Friends Of course! Thought of it after I commented

[@A_Being_of_Light]

Cheers from France. When we manage to understand them, your songs are touching us to the bottom of our hearts

[@andrewfantome4020]

Which French city are you from? I love Marseille and Paris.

[@A_Being_of_Light]

@@andrewfantome4020 I'm from Paris

[@legendaireb1328]

Un instant de mémoire pour nos braves tombé au combat. A moment of memory for our brave fallen in battle.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

@@andrewfantome4020 Lol, that got me to laugh, thanks.

[@LeRaptorSauvage]

@@legendaireb1328 hommage à tout soldats s'étant battus de tout côté du front !

[@pokefan-ix7sh]

the Christmas truce (German: Weihnachtsfrieden; French: Trêve de Noël) was a series of widespread unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front of the First World War around Christmas 1914. The truce occurred five months after hostilities had begun. Lulls occurred in the fighting as armies ran out of men and munitions and commanders reconsidered their strategies following the stalemate of the Race to the Sea and the indecisive result of the First Battle of Ypres. In the week leading up to 25 December, French, German and British soldiers crossed trenches to exchange seasonal greetings and talk. In some areas, men from both sides ventured into no man's land on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to mingle and exchange food and souvenirs. There were joint burial ceremonies and prisoner swaps, while several meetings ended in carol-singing. Men played games of football with one another, creating one of the most memorable images of the truce.[1] Hostilities continued in some sectors, while in others the sides settled on little more than arrangements to recover bodies. The following year, a few units arranged ceasefires but the truces were not nearly as widespread as in 1914; this was, in part, due to strongly worded orders from commanders, prohibiting truces. Soldiers were no longer amenable to truce by 1916. The war had become increasingly bitter after the human losses suffered during the battles of 1915. The truces were not unique to the Christmas period and reflected a mood of "live and let live", where infantry close together would stop overtly aggressive behaviour and often engage in small-scale fraternisation, engaging in conversation or bartering for cigarettes. In some sectors, there were occasional ceasefires to allow soldiers to go between the lines and recover wounded or dead comrades; in others, there was a tacit agreement not to shoot while men rested, exercised or worked in view of the enemy. The Christmas truces were particularly significant due to the number of men involved and the level of their participation-even in quiet sectors, dozens of men openly congregating in daylight was remarkable-and are often seen as a symbolic moment of peace and humanity amidst one of the most violent events of human history.

[@denisjankovic2164]

My grandma told me that in sunday there would be a cease fire, it was on eastern front where the cauntries are i think more christian.

[@eldiglett]

Here is the context everyone needs

[@anaritabarrettosantiago5225]

Thx for all the info. Not being European, I know very little about that war.

[@Rahvenahk]

Keep the memory alive, my Brothers, my Friends. Let not your grandfathers' and great grandfathers' experiences be lost. Sincerely. An Outsider.

[@regalblade8171]

To add to this: The Pope at the time asked for a christmas truce across all fronts, which was denied So to see that the soldiers made something not even the Pope could do adds to the song's impact

[@MinecraftWorld1954]

Before I tear up at this song again, I just wanna thank you, Sabaton. As someone who is not that much of a history nerd, but is a good fan of Metal music, I wanna thank you. I went to see this in concert on September 27th, 2022 with my brother. We had been waiting for you guys to come into my state since late 2020, and when we finally did, I couldn’t have imagined just how beautiful it felt. And Christmas Truce specifically is what made it for me. I remember your drummer told us about your first playing and how less than 50 people were there. And everyone raised their phone lights and illuminated the room as you played it, myself included. I was standing next to my brother farther in the back of the stadium, and I remember smiling aloud as he and I sang along with everything we had. That moment… GOD! Words just cannot describe just how much that moment means to me. Thank you, Sabaton. Thank you so much for giving me and my brother that experience. Rock on, you guys!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Sabaton]

This is wholesome and inspiring, thank you so much for sharing it 😎

[@undersscore6930]

Once a year, we Metalheads unite under this one song. To all who read this, Merry Christmas.

[@howtopraisetheholypeanut]

Love your songs Sabaton! Greetings from Poland! 🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱

[@jojomania1105]

I love the too! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪!

[@ТоварищМедведев.ГРУП]

Greetings from Russia! 🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@melo4rb2]

More greetings from germany 🇩🇪🇩🇪

[@lesnik2]

Greetings from Russia! 🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@GroundWarChronicles]

A perfect band Greetings from Australia

[@vanzelechave6124]

Can't believe you can make a Historical Christmas Rock song, and you nailed it. Sabaton really gives justice to the history they write their songs from. Sabaton is the best!!

[@philiphamel8504]

I honestly needed this. These past 20 months have taken their toll on me, and I dont know exactly how or why, but this song makes me hopeful that things will get better. I dont know when, but it will happen. Thank you, Sabaton. Merry Christmas, be safe, be healthy, and be blessed this holiday season and always.

[@Sabaton]

Thank you very much and best wishes Philip!

[@isaiahkayode6526]

@@Sabaton God bless you all and keep up the Great Work that your doing

[@Tracy-xe9zu]

In the wise and timeless words of Fred Rogers, "look for the helpers".

[@Sir_Djack]

Cheers mate, I feel you Stay strong, it will get better

[@m.a.g.y.1796]

December 24, 2022, 108 years after this miracle in the midst of chaos and insanity. Men who are enemies became brothers in the spirit of Christmas. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and More blessings ahead! May the peace of the Lord be upon us all!

[@nicolasalvarez1545]

I’ve been listening to this masterpiece more than 10 times by now, and it always makes me cry, such a beautiful song, beautiful lyrics

[@Sabaton]

Thank you! Means a lot! 🤘

[@Aotis420]

This is now the only christmas related song i can enjoy. For it speaks truth on history. Instead of begetting false happiness

[@brerrrrrp95]

Sabaton's music really does age like a fine wine along with the band... Even tho there are some minor changes here and their and some differences in style form album to album or song to song; It's still Sabaton and I damn sure fricking love them.

[@enderknight39]

I salute all the brave men who died in the Great War. No matter what side they were on, in the end, they were just soldiers hoping they'd done the right thing.

[@chrisbullock3504]

Merry Christmas Sabaton, and to everyone listening to this and reading this, "Today we're all brothers, tonight we're all friends!"

[@archangelofstories5565]

To me this isn't just a song about the Christmas Truce, it's a song of hope for the future and a bridge to allow people from all walks of life to come together and unite to create a better future for generations to come, a day where we CAN say "we are all friends". For that reason I think that this is definitely in my top 3 favorite Sabaton songs, thank you for this masterpiece

[@cheezkid2689]

This song is genuinely beautiful. Absolutely fantastic.

[@Sabaton]

Thanks a lot

[@Ruebi87]

I wish you, Hannes, Joakim, Chris, Pär, Tommy and all the many people who work with you, a Merry Christmas with your loved ones. Let's rock together for many years to come!

[@NightHaunter1994]

A moment of peace in a war that never ends Today we’re all brothers just amazing

[@Notananimename]

I have to thank you for this song. For years I'd come to despise the holiday season... I'd hated what it had become. With this, I can at least remember what the time is supposed to mean.

[@austinkniga-bartlett8657]

In times of peace, never forget the possibility of war. In times of war, never forget compassion.

[@austinkniga-bartlett8657]

I'm guessing that guy lost a lot of wars.

[@EJ_Red]

I can already feel the Christmas spirit and the calming atmosphere of the Winter season from this song alone, beautiful song!

[@Neofeora]

it's that time again to play this as our Christmas anthem

[@gagecrawley6223]

I think this may be the best Christmas song I have ever heard. And with good reason. It’s not a churchy song about Jesus, heaven or angels, it’s not a song about Santa Claus, it’s not singing about gifts, Christmas trees, snowmen, Christmas lights, or elves. It’s a song about two warring sides putting down their arms and making peace with one another. And in many respects, that’s what Christmas is. It’s about forging friendships, brotherhoods, good will for all humanity, and best of all, unity. Long story short, this song is more Christmassy than the other Christmas songs that came before it. Yeah, they’re classics, but this song is legendary. 🎄

[@userandresearcher1036]

Well, hate to be that guy, but Christmas is really just about Jesus being born. We celebrate the birth of the Messiah, as an innocent child, being born in a stable. But with time passing, this true thought behind Christmas becomes more and more lost...

[@joeysonofander7479]

@@userandresearcher1036 Not to be rude, but there is a high chance that Jesus was actually born in the spring or summer. There are a couple reasons why the early Church set Christmas in December: 1. They didn't actually make a note of when Jesus was born (as far as I know, an old law was that you couldn't couldn't celebrate birthdays as that was seen as idolatrous.) 2. As a way to convince people to convert to Christianity, the Church would take a pagan holiday and Christianize it. In example, Christmas has it's roots in the Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yule. Many Christmas traditions actually come from European pagan traditions (i.e. decorating Christmas trees, caroling/wassailing, hanging mistletoe and holly up, yule logs, even Santa Claus has connections to the Norse god Odin, in addition to St. Nicholas.) Not trying to be mean or anything, just thought I would point that out.

[@thekingnerd6639]

@@userandresearcher1036 it brought people together. While you are right, so is he.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

@@joeysonofander7479 Huh? Many people know that Christmas was the day chosen by the Church because it was meant to symbolize the Light of Christ being born on one of the darkest days of the year. It was never about the correct date. Curtain Priests were often the ones who used objects, practices, and ideas that people were familiar with in order to better explain the faith to converts. The story behind the evergreen tree is a neat example. The whole long or sometimes faster process was actually much more organic than many people give credit. It's remarkable how many different cultures and communities themselves promoted the changes in their own communities, though that is how so many enthusiastically embraced Christianity among other reasons. It's far too simplistic and in some cases incorrect to say the Church took a pagan holiday or practice and forcefully Christianized it. What is around today is unmistakenly a mix of both.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Well, it is Christ-Mass. The story of Christmas and Jesus's life does embody friendships, brotherhoods, goodwill for all humanity, unity, and Hope. I think even those who find themselves in life not believing should still not be so quick to ignore the most foundational part of the holiday celebration. With all its good lessons, values, and soforth. The story of Christ should still unit regardless of faith or person.

[@Bewilderebeest]

This is the best Christmas song I’ve ever heard. Truly. Unbelievably powerful. Probably because it is far more than just a Xmas song. Makes me think of my grandma’s uncle - a Hungarian who had no desire to go fight for an empire.

[@ggrend7009]

I’m starting a tradition where my family and I play this song every Christmas 🙌🙌or even when it’s not Christmas time I will listen😂👍👍🤘

[@Sabaton]

That sounds great indeed 🤟

[@cat-nw8pc]

Best Christmas song ever made

[@Sokol629]

Ну что можно сказать... Шедеврально.... Мой сын 10 лет попросил ему её скинуть песню! :-) Спасибо ребятам за их творчество!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@distroyer06djsn86]

вы воспитываете очень хорошие k8ds с прекрасным музыкальным вкусом

[@JonathanLalrempuia]

Another year has passed. A toast to my brothers and sisters in the comments section , a very Merry Christmas to you and your families ❤ 🍻 I hope you all were blessed with that moment of peace as I was, being in a ‘battlefield’ of sorts. God bless you all ❤

[@expgretaillegacy]

Hard to believe this song is already one year old now

[@GhostBear3067]

I wish stores would play this instead of Mariah Carey.

[@timjowitt4882]

And it's already one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written.

[@expgretaillegacy]

@@timjowitt4882 True

[@expgretaillegacy]

@@GhostBear3067 LOL yeah :)

[@aestronk-hungryball]

@@GhostBear3067 the virgin all i want for xmas vs the chad christmas truce

[@juanantonioluna7227]

normal people: metal is for freaks and fools sabaton: the power metal band that fills you with culture I didn't think I was going to get so many likes

[@Juhani96]

More like stupid people

[@ferdithetank7535]

@@Juhani96 being stupid is normal now so you're not wrong.

[@sabertheglaceon256]

@@ferdithetank7535 You find a lot of stupid online

[@tristanband4003]

Me: it is the freaks and, yes, the fools who are the fountainheads of culture.

[@lordfelidae4505]

@@Juhani96 speaking from experience?

[@pikasome2585]

It is now tradition for every Sabaton fan to listen to this song at Christmas time. Hope everyone had a great Christmas today

[@thundergod435]

This is legitimately one of the few songs that makes me choke up. The feeling of both pain for those that had to endure this hell, and the thankfulness that we are afforded peace through even the bloodiest of war. Sabaton has done a fantastic fucking job conveying the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie, the love that humanity is capable of, and the true spirit of Christmas. God bless you, gentlemen.

[@tonyblargh6159]

Here I am again, 4 days from Christmas 2023, and I am absolutely spreading this around. I hope this song lives on for eternity.

[@corbinjackman6527]

This song literally had me crying throughout it because of how wholesome and beautiful this song is. Amazing job sabaton, we love you...

[@thefenrir777]

Thank you. Not enough people even remember this happened. When people stopped fighting and for one day enemies weren't enemies. They were just people celebrating Christmas. Truly proof true peace is possible.

[@tylerstocker6189]

May the souls of these men find the peace that was taken from them in life. May they share eternity as the brothers they wanted to be here.

[@Meile78]

When we celebrated Christmas, we thought about our friends, those who never made it home, when the battle had commenced.. For me is the best part of the lyrics.. Even if they diddent get to celebrate Christmas atleast someone thought of them who had died.

[@kingextorp2478]

"When we celebrated Christmas we thought about our friends those who never made it home when the battle had commenced" Absolute chills.

[@mivapusa]

I insisted on this being played in the office when there was a row of christmas songs on from KZbin on the speakers (the usual, modern stuff with some bells thrown in) and recieved weird looks. Bugger the lot of them, this is the best christmas song in years.

[@imperialguardproductions]

This should be played everywhere during Christmas every year

[@fanunion913]

Merry Christmas to all our brothers and sisters around the world. Regardless of what nation we belong to, we will never forget this calm in the storm. We remembered it for over a hundred years, so let's remember it for a hundred more. And Merry Christmas to Sabaton as well, for creating yet another amazing song; one that touches our very hearts.

[@freyjaalexandrawolburg1367]

merry X-mas my dear friend,greetings from mexico

[@EmpressTori]

Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania comrade

[@gonesquatchingaming3850]

"We remembered it for over a hundred years, so let's remember it for a hundred more." This needs to be on a plaque somewhere to commemorate the Truce.

[@MultinationalCrabLegion]

The greatest comment on KZbin.

[@MultinationalCrabLegion]

109 years today, merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it and good day to all of you who don't.

[@johnnyklebitzrevenge4793]

A very powerful song. I think it needs to be played on every Radio Station from November 1st to January 1st

[@JmonsterNEO]

I like to think that there’s a universe not too far from ours where the war actually did stop that night, the men at the frontlines all realized the senselessness of all the slaughter and just all refused to pick their arms back up.

[@thehistoryandbooknerd8979]

It sounds gorgeous… I like to think the same, truth be told Edit: Happy Holidays! I hope you and all those you love are safe, warm, and happy!

[@edgarzacapala7469]

And to honor all those wise soldiers who were able to see beyond the war, all country feuds ever happened have been solved playing soccer, what a perfect world would that be...

[@ilpost-apocalittico9542]

And today is the time to hear again this masterpiece

[@lesnik2]

I love this song! Greetings from Russia! 🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@ceratorgameorporation1549]

Товарищ!

[@lupus2079]

My favorit war story. A story of humanity.

[@psychoman2213]

This has easily become my new favourite Christmas song, it has every shred of humanity that the truce showed in 1914 and could easily represent something we need now. Just for a small moment, stop any fighting you may have amongst friends, colleagues and family and celebrate the holidays, laugh, play games, and sing songs of good cheer. Sabaton, I hope you are doing well in these times and I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[@kuttnbrunza1587]

I remember hearing this song for the first time I think it was November 2nd last year I followed it every day as the views grew and since then the song has been one of my favorites. thanks you are the best! I wish you all a Merry Christmas🎄🤘🏼

[@Sabaton]

Merry Christmas! 🤘🏼

[@JoyBoy0606]

To me, this song is about more than just Christmas. It's a symbol of unity, kindness, and friendship.

[@Average1Person]

From know on, every Christmas I’m playing this song. It’s so good.

[@pepper8405]

"For our nations, is that why we bury our friends?" That one cuts deep...

[@junobeachboy6498]

Welp ima be putting this on my Christmas playlist because this is the best Christmas song of 2021 hands down.

[@pedoslayer]

a

[@thes.a.s.s.1361]

Merry Christmas to everyone listening to this Christmas 2022

[@preacher3670]

This song became an instant Christmas classic for me! Peaceful and happy holidays from Finland.

[@diegodelgado141]

My cousin loved Sabaton. Sadly he's no longer with us. I wish he was here to hear this song. As awesome this song is, it hurts knowing my cousin would have been singing this song non stop. Smiling from ear to ear. Thank you Sabaton for this song. I will remember my cousin through the memories and this song in particular. Keep up the good work. I know my cousin is in a better place. Rest in peace Alan.

[@Sabaton]

Thanks for sharing this story. Best wishes Diego 😎

[@bloodwolf6274]

Man, it's this time of the year again. Finally some good music to accompany me. Even my mother, a non-metalhead, loves that song. Makes me happy

[@Alue14]

Today, 109 years ago, soldiers did something that would go and be remembered, forever! Let us remember the soldiers that celebrated peace, even if it was for just one day. Merry Christmas, everyone!

[@alexanderhyaguer6827]

My great great grand father was a young german soldier who served in the baunderslacht division, and my great great grand uncle was part of a royal sappers squad both went on the war to end all wars in 1914 and that same year found each other in cristhmas. They cry at each other soulder, promissing rhey will meet again. Later they will be meet again in 1918, when the war ended and my grandfather felt germany with his wife and first son (my great grandfather) and reunite with my great great grand uncles at london. They later emigrate to argentina, and later to Bolivia when Peron rise to power. Now we are here. If that cold day they nerver get togheter... and promisse to reunite maybe, I will not be here... Simply kindness.

[@xX_R0yalNe1n_mdm-12_Xx]

Silence Oh, I remember the silence On a cold winter day After many months on the battlefield And we were used to the violence Then all the cannons went silent And the snow fell Voices sang to me from no man’s land We are all, we are all, we are all, we are all friends And today we’re all brothers Tonight we’re all friends A moment of peace in a war that never ends Today we’re all brothers We drink and unite Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white Hear carols from the trenches, we sing O holy night Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes A Christmas in the trenches, a Christmas on the front far from home Madness Oh I remember the sadness We were hiding our tears In a foreign land where we faced our fears We were soldiers Carried the war on our shoulders For our nations Is that why we bury our friends? We are all, we are all, we are all, we are all friends And today we’re all brothers Tonight we’re all friends A moment of peace in a war that never ends Today we’re all brothers We drink and unite Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white Hear carols from the trenches, we sing O holy night Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes A Christmas in the trenches, a Christmas on the front far from home We are all, we are all, we are all, we are all friends And today we’re all brothers Tonight we’re all friends A moment of peace in a war that never ends Today we’re all brothers We drink and unite Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white Hear carols from the trenches, we sing O holy night Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes A Christmas in the trenches, a Christmas on the front far from home A Christmas on the frontline, we walk among our friends, we don’t think about tomorrow, the battle will commence When we celebrated Christmas, we thought about our friends, those who never made it home, when the battle had commenced

[@redacted5228]

This is literally a lyric video.