I looked all about
A strange sight I did see
No tinsel, No presents
Not even a tree

No stocking by mantle
Just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung pictures
Of far distant lands

With medals and badges
Awards of all kinds
A somber thought
Came to my mind

For this house was different
It was dark and dreary
I found the home of a soldier
Once I could see clearly

The soldier lay sleeping
Silent and alone
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home

The fact was so gentle
The room in such disorder
Not how I pictured
A United States soldier

Was this the hero
Of whom I just read?
Curled up in a poncho
The floor for a bed?

I realized the families
That I saw this night
Owed their lives to this soldier
Who were willing to fight

Soon round the world
The children would play
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day

They all enjoyed freedom
Each month of the year
Because of the soldiers
Like the one lying here

I couldn't help but wonder
How many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve
In a land far from home

The very thought
Brought a tear to my eye
I dropped to my knees
And started to cry

The soldier awakened
And I heard a rough voice
Santa don't cry
This is my life's choice
I fight for freedom
I don't ask for more
My life is my God,
My country, My Corps

The soldier rolled over
And drifted to sleep
I couldn't control it
I continued to weep

I kept watch for hours
So silent and still
And we both shivered
From the cold night's chill

I didn't want to leave
On that cold, dark night
This guardian of freedom
So willing to fight

The the soldier rolled over
With a voice soft and pure
Whispered, carry on santa
It's Christmas Day, All is secure

One look at my watch
And I knew he was right
Merry Christmas, My friend
And to all a good night