16 Dec. 1955

Dear Folks

Yes, it’s me again. Just a very short note to say I can’t call the 27th—we’ll be at sea. There’s a very vague chance of my calling Christmas eve about 6:00 or before—no later, though, so you don’t have to stick around the house in case I can’t get through, which is very probable.

I feel the worst about not sending you anything for Xmas. Please excuse me, but I can’t trust it to the mails. Well, we’ll have Christmas when I get home.

This just might get home before Xmas, so let me wish you both a very nice Christmas, & many many more. I suppose I could have chosen more orthodox parents but I’m awfully glad I got the ones I did.

Until I see you, then, I send

Much Love

Roge

P.S. Merry Xmas, Stormy

P.P.S. Explain to all the relatives that I sent no cards—just one to you, which you probably didn’t get. Bye, now.

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S E V E R Y B O D Y

(Drawing of fireplace w/3 stockings, & a Christmas tree)

Undated letter postmark illegible, but probably Dec 18, 1955, U.S.S. Ticonderoga; letter attached to a package sent home for Christmas

Dear Folks

Here are a few things Santa Claus left at my house. He was unavoidably detained somewhere along the line. I was, as you know, planning on waiting till I got home, but changed my mind.
Your boxes are marked.


The "Tabu" goes to Aunt Thyra. She may not like it since I recently heard it’s very strong. I’ve got something else for her, but will send it along later.

The large box of perfume ("Corday") is for Goldie, who was nice enough to remember my birthday & Christmas.

The pipes are the ones I described earlier. I’ll have to get something for Ann. The clock is for Aunt Marge—the tapestry for Grandma & Al The head-scarf is yours, mom.

Incidentally, that heavy thing in the orange paper is the weight for the clock, in case you’re wondering.

Sorry they aren’t individually gift wrapped, & hope you will excuse the "stuffing". But try to pretend that it’s Christmas eve, & we’ve just come back from Grandma’s.

Give Stormy a big kiss for me, & tell him I’ll be home soon.

Love, Roge

Merry Christmas!!

Undated but probably 17 or 18 Dec. 1955

Dear Folks

Happy anniversary—25 years, isn’t it? I’m sorry I didn’t send a card, but they’re hard to come by over here.

Today I rated liberty, & didn’t even go ashore! Gad! Well, I’ll say everything else in the journal, but just wanted to wish you a happy anniversary.

Keep writing every day—even though God knows when I’ll get them! Have you gotten any more letters than those five you got up till the 28th of Nov?

Till later, I’ll send

Love

Roge