Secret Santas in Iraq.
In addition to mortar attacks, shootings and bombings, American troops had another pressing concern last week: what gifts to give when they play Secret Santa for their colleagues.Across Iraq, soldiers have been ordering online and buying greeting cards, wrapping paper and ribbons at the PX, or post exchange.
Some might play a Secret Santa who's more naughty than nice — think sheets and fly swatters. But they might also get lucky: Those who win a PX lottery get to buy themselves a PlayStation 3, a hot commodity virtually unavailable in Iraq.
Some soldiers perused Iraqi bazaars set up in trailers on their bases, where handmade sandstone carvings and knife sets sell for $25 to $140 and can be shipped home by FedEx. Others were picking out gag gifts, including Chippendale-style calendars that easily meet the average $30 Secret Santa price limit.
A little peace on earth is too much to ask, I guess, but at least our military folks can think a bit about other things for a moment.
Posted by Alan at December 24, 2006 04:11 PM