When my first wartime Christmas came, I was in basic training in New Jersey. At that time I was not (11) if I would go home for the holidays. Only (12) of December 23 did I see the list of men who would have three-day holiday. I was one of the (13) soldiers. It was Christmas Eve when I arrived home, and (14) snow had fallen. Mother opened the front door for me. I could see beyond her into the comer of the (15) room. There the tree had always stood. There were lights of all colors, shining against the green of the tree. I felt so warm and happy!