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**Experiencing Christmas in the Desert: A Personal Account of Desert Shield, 1990**
The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and traditions. For many, Christmas conjures images of snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights, and the warmth of home. But for those of us deployed during Operation Desert Shield in 1990, Christmas was a starkly different experience—one that took place under the vast, unrelenting skies of the Arabian Desert. It was a Christmas like no other, marked by camaraderie, resilience, and a deep longing for home.
### The Context of Desert Shield
Operation Desert Shield began in August 1990, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The United States and its coalition partners mobilized forces to protect Saudi Arabia and prepare for a potential conflict with Saddam Hussein's regime. By December, hundreds of thousands of troops were stationed in the Middle East, bracing for what would eventually become Operation Desert Storm in January 1991.
For those of us on the ground, the desert was an alien world. The landscape was barren and endless, with sand stretching as far as the eye could see. The days were scorching, the nights bitterly cold, and the air carried a fine grit that seemed to infiltrate everything. It was a far cry from the cozy, festive atmosphere of Christmas back home.
### Preparing for Christmas in the Desert
As December rolled around, the reality of spending Christmas so far from home began to sink in. For many of us, it was our first holiday season away from family. The absence of loved ones was palpable, and the thought of missing out on cherished traditions weighed heavily on our hearts. Yet, amidst the challenges, there was a collective determination to make the best of the situation.
The military, along with support organizations like the USO, worked tirelessly to bring a touch of Christmas to the desert. Care packages began to arrive, filled with letters, homemade cookies, and small gifts from strangers who wanted to show their appreciation. These packages were a lifeline, a reminder that we were not forgotten.
Some units got creative, fashioning makeshift Christmas trees out of whatever materials were available—branches, scrap metal, or even camouflage netting. Decorations were improvised, with ornaments made from ration tins and strings of lights powered by generators. It was a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the troops.
### A Christmas Like No Other
Christmas Day in the desert was both somber and uplifting. There were no carolers, no snow, and no traditional feasts. Instead, we gathered in small groups, sharing stories, laughter, and the contents of our care packages. Chaplains held services, offering words of comfort and hope. For a brief moment, the harshness of our surroundings faded, replaced by a sense of unity and purpose.
One of the most memorable moments for me was receiving a handwritten letter from a child back in the States. It was a simple
