My darling Lucy,

We've finally, finally received a letter from James. It was brief, but he's doing just fine. He wrote that he's sorry he doesn't write to you, that you're probably busy and he wouldn't even know how to find you in Paris, but he "loves and misses his little Bee, and I promise to bring you a present when I get home."

Christmas just won't be the same without the both of you here. I won't have to make nearly as much food! Mrs. Stewart next door is coming to Christmas Eve dinner; her son is in the Army as well. She just received word that he's missing-in-action, so you can imagine what a mess the poor woman is. I've been round nearly ever night since she received the telegram. I couldn't imagine being in her position, what with her husband been gone for three years now and now darling Kevin is away as well. She doesn't even have a tree up, but I don't blame her. I wouldn't be in much of the Christmas spirit either. God forbid if anything ever happened to you or James...

I hope that you've found a way to celebrate the holidays while you're away. It doesn't do to sit in your tiny room all day and night. Even though both of my darlings are far from home, we are all still alive and healthy, and that's something to be truly grateful for these days. When you and your brother come home, we'll do Christmas again, a real Christmas, even if it's summertime. You both have presents here under the tree, and we'll do a big dinner. Your father and I love you very very much, and we are so proud of you, even if we'd rather have you here. I hope you have some happiness for Christmastide, and we can't wait until you come home.

All of my love,
Mummy

Attached to the letter is a photograph of the Christmas tree, decorated perfectly as always.