Manic Art Challenge

The Twelve Days of (Military) Christmas

This Christmas we need to remember the British Armed Forces out in Afghanistan

They are sacrificing their Christmas so that we can enjoy ours back in the home.

 Poem Of The Unknown Soldier

’Twas the night before Christmas,

He lived all alone,

In a one-bedroom house, made

Of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney,

With presents to give,

And to see just who

In this home did live.

I looked all about

A strange sight I did see

No tinsel, no presents,

Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle,

Just boots filled with sand,

On the wall hung pictures

Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges

Awards of all kinds

A sober thought

Came through 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, alone,

Curled up on the floor

In this one-bedroom home.

The face was so gentle

The room in such disorder,

Not how I pictured

A lone British soldier.

Was this the hero

Of whom I’d just read?

Curled up on a poncho,

The floor for a bed?

I realised the families

That I saw this night

Owed their lives to these soldiers

Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world

The children would play

And grown-ups 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 wonder

How many 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 life is my 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 sat and shivered,

From the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave

On that cold, dark night,

This guardian of honour,

So willing to fight.

Then 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.”

Author Unknown 

So........

FRIDAY 4TH NOV - SUNDAY 6TH NOV

Updates will be posted here throughout the weekend or follow me on Twitter @Julie_Manic_Art

Manic-Art will be attempting to complete 12 drawings... YES you read that right... 12 Military Christmas themed drawings over 1 weekend... I must be mad? no wait I AM MAD!!

Once completed the drawings will be turned into a pack of 12 Christmas cards called..

'The Twelve Days of (Military) Christmas' 

This pack will be available to purchase on the Manic-Art website.

So why would I put myself through this time consuming challenge you might ask?

Well because I am not one to ask people to donate their hard earned cash without good reason..

hence me working my butt off for the privilege..

How will the donated funds be spent?

The donated funds will be spent to purchase the following items:

• Frames
• Mounts
• Paper
• Cards
• Envelopes
• Printer Cartridges
• Packaging
• Drawing Accessories

To name but a few..

Please go to.. http://www.manic-art.co.uk/ & click the DONATE button!! 

**Please Note all donations will be going towards materials etc. to help me complete my Military Art Project for Combat Stress NOT directly to Combat Stress**

BUT

**All profits from the sales of my Military Prints, Christmas Cards & the eventual proceeds from the auctioned Original Military Drawings will be going to COMBAT STRESS**