Troops spending Christmas away from home

The video follows Holly Desmond, a seven-year-old girl counting down the days until her father, Sergeant Matthew Desmond, returns from his six-month deployment in Afghanistan. The family prepares for Christmas without him, while managing to stay connected through short phone calls. Holly's mother, Emma, explains her husband's dangerous job of defusing roadside bombs to their children, trying to keep things as normal as possible. Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful and sends their love and Christmas wishes to Sergeant Desmond.

What is Holly Desmond eagerly counting down to?

• Her birthday

• Her dad's return

• Christmas Day

• Summer vacation

How often can Sergeant Desmond speak to his family while in Afghanistan?

• Every day

• Once a month

• 30 minutes per week

• Only on holidays

What special provision is made for soldiers on Christmas Day?

• They receive gifts from home

• They have a day off

• They are allowed to visit family

• They get extra phone time

How does Emma choose to explain her husband's job to their children?

• By telling them he is on vacation

• By avoiding the topic

• By making it seem like a game

• By explaining it as normally as possible

What are the children busy with during the holiday season?

• Watching TV

• Visiting friends

• Drawing pictures for their dad

• Playing video games