 The Germans placed candles on their trenches and on Christmas trees , then continued the celebration by singing Christmas carols . The British responded by singing carols of their own . The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other . Soon thereafter , there were excursions across No Man 's Land , where small gifts were exchanged , such as food , tobacco and alcohol , and souvenirs such as buttons and hats . The artillery in the region fell silent . The truce also allowed a breathing spell where recently killed soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties . Joint services were held . In many sectors , the truce lasted through Christmas night , continuing until New Year 's Day in others . 
