France
Nov 30th ‘16

My dear Ernie,

I am sure you would like to receive a letter from me to wish you a Merry Christmas.  It is six months since I have seen you and I suppose you have grown a bigger boy during this time.  I see you are going to school by the nice things you have made which Mother has sent me.  I hope very much that you will keep quite well while I am away.  Every day I have a look at the photo in which you are holding onto your little dog.

[ paragraph illegible]

If you were a little French boy I dont think you would have such a good time as you and all Canadian boys and girls do.  I think you should be glad you were not born in France.

I know you are a good boy and take good care of Dot.  She is a handful to look after is’nt she.  Well I must say good bye hoping you will enjoy yourself very much at Christmas.  They do say here that old Santa Claus is not coming this year.  I hope he comes to Winnipeg

From you loving
Dad