France
December 31, 1916

Dear Mother;

This is the first chance I have had of writing to you since Christmas. Christmas wasn't so bad after all. I received three boxes from Toronto on Christmas and one each night before. The boxes certainly were lovely and they all arrived in good condition. A few night ago I had a box from Grace. So I don't think I did so bad. I have not received that box from the Institute yet. What address did they put on it? Lately we have been receiving a lot of back mail. I got a letter from you and Violet and a card from Grace mailed in Sept. Not long ago I had a letter from Aunt E., and a card from Aunt B. which I will have to answer besides Violet's letter and Grace's box so I will be quite busy for the remainder of the day. This morning we had church parade out in a field. Yesterday we went on a long route march of about 22 kilometres and as I have not been feeling well for the last couple of days I was all in last night. I suppose Bruce spent a few days of his holidays in old Jordan where there is lots of skating about now I guess. It rained nearly all Xmas day here and I was on guard too. When you send another box try and send a little honey and don't send any more OXO as I don't care for it. I have not heard from Art lately but I suppose he is alright. Will close now with lots of love to all at home.

Your loving son
Jay