Wishing everyone who reads this a peaceful Christmas. The text below is a note specifically addressed to those involved in the war against Ukraine. I feel the theme of peace is relevant throughout the world at this time.

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To: All soldiers of the Russian state

Subject: A note about Christmas

In case you missed the memo, it’s today – 25^th December 2025. We don’t all celebrate Christmas in the same way, if we celebrate it at all. And we don’t even necessarily celebrate it at the same time. If you follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian one, Christmas can land on a different day. Christmas means different things to different people. For some, their understanding of Christmas is based on a Christian tradition. For others, Christmas is a time to spend with family; a time of feasting and of fun. Across all traditions, Christmas is a time of peace.

In the popular imagination, Christmas has become linked to certain symbols and stories. It would be wrong to assume that these symbols are universally understood and interpreted in the same way. I will set out five of the common ones below so as to avoid any confusion.   

• Things that fall from the sky: snowflakes.

In the Northern Hemisphere, where it’s Winter, snowflakes have become synonymous with Christmas. They appear in Christmas imagery, and on Christmas cards – even in places where it’s Summer. I am guessing you get plenty of them in Russia. I hope you take time to enjoy the peacefulness of falling snowflakes.

• Things that fly through the air: sleighs and reindeer.

Neither of these things typically fly, but at Christmas time they do. Sleighs and reindeer take on magical properties. They cover vast distances across the globe to deliver gifts, visit children, and spread the magic of Christmas.

• Things that go bang: Christmas crackers

Like them or not, these decorative little things that make loud noises are often present at the Christmas table. Both sides take an end and pull on them, and BANG! Usually there’s a (not very funny) joke inside, and maybe some candy or a plastic toy.  

• The big man in red: Santa Claus

He is known for being jolly and shouting “Ho Ho Ho” a lot. Santa Claus always knows what you’re up to. He keeps track of everyone at all times, 24/7. He knows who’s doing what, and why. He has eyes in the sky (see “Things that fly through the air”).

• “An early start”: typically a comment from parents of young children on Christmas Day.

Children are often so excited, they can hardly wait for Christmas to start. At 6 or 7am, they will be under the Christmas tree. They will be eager to open presents they may have been admiring for days. Some might have been shaking and squeezing them to try and figure out what’s inside.

As you can see, Christmas can mean different things to different people, but there are common themes of peace, humanity and caring. I hope this little note about Christmas is helpful. And for those who prefer a musical version, there’s this. May peace be with you at this time.