During the First World War (1914-1918), soldiers ordered a cease-fire truce during Christmas time, so soldiers wouldn’t have to fight on the holiday.  Soldiers from opposing forces exchanged cigarettes and other goods, and even engaged in activities like football, as depicted in this photo from 1915.  This Christmas Truce is now seen as a symbolic moment of peace amidst one of the bloodiest battles ever fought in history.

(via especiallygold)