What Christmas is like for an Athlone soldier in Lebanon

Pte Declan Toland is one of the many Athlone soldiers currently on peacekeeping duty in the Lebanon. Here he tells the Westmeath Independent what Christmas is like working so far from home.

What is the camp like at Christmas, is it different than other times of the year?

The camp at Christmas is great, especially between the two nations, the Finnish and the Irish. We both know we are here to do a job to the highest standards, but we also know it is Christmas and we want to enjoy it in the best possible way we can. It is very different to any other time of the year because Christmas is such a big family occasion in Ireland and this year I won’t be with my family…well not in body anyway,but I’ll definitely be thinking of them and contacting them. I have also made some amazing friends who I’ll share the Christmas with.

Can you give us a bit of a flavour of what it is like at Christmas time in Lebanon?

Christmas in Lebanon is really no different than it is back home. When we are on patrol going through the markets and villages, all you see is decorations and Santa suits for sale. The big difference is the weather, as I write this it is 21 degrees outside, so that’s a plus!

Do you notice differences in traditions etc in Lebanon than at home?

Personally, I haven’t really noticed that many differences. Obviously there is the big difference in religion (Christians & Muslims), but from what I can see everyone is celebrating Christmas in their own way.

How is Christmas celebrated among the general population over there?

The general population is celebrating Christmas in their own way. A lot of the villages are either Christian or Muslim, so they will have their own unique traditions.

What will your working day entail on Christmas Day?

On Christmas day I will get up and we are being treated to a fry that morning.  This is great because it will be an Irish fry with real Irish sausages, bacon and pudding which was brought over with us. Then, before dinner we have a charity 5km run. We then sit down for dinner at 1400 hrs and the Senior NCOs serve us our meal which is tradition. That will go on for the day and afterwards we’ll sit around and chat. We have an arrangement with the Finnish where we cover them on Christmas Eve and they in turn cover us on Christmas Day. Some essential duties will still have to be carried out by a various people, but I’m expecting a quiet day.

How has the mission been going?

The mission has been going great so far, we’ve had a few interesting moments but that’s what we’re trained for and everyone knows their job. Plus we’ve had the advantage of people who have served here before and understand it greatly.

Do you mind working over Christmas or is it simply part of the job?

Personally I don’t mind working over the Christmas as I’ve no children. Maybe if I did I’d think differently, but as it stands I’m happy enough to be here, although I do miss my girlfriend and family, but I’ll see them all soon.

How will other soldiers celebrate the day?

Other soldiers like the Finnish and the Fijians all have their own dinner planned as well, most likely what’s familiar to them back home.

What do you miss most at this time of the year?

That’s the easiest question to answer. I’ll miss my girlfriend, family and friends.

There must a be a rush for the internet on Christmas Day to Skype etc, will you in touch with family on December 25?

Yeah, Christmas Day will be manic for everyone to talk to their loved ones, so I won’t hold too much hope. I personally think that people with kids should have preference anyway.

Do you have a message for family and friends back home this Christmas?

I just want to wish my fiancé Michaela and my family a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. See them all soon.