Christmas Poem: Merry Christmas, My Friend
By Marine Lance Cpl James M. Schmidt
Posted on 12/24/2025
This poem invariably makes the rounds during the Christmas season; we want to ensure you know the poetry's true origins. The poem "Merry Christmas, My Friend" has been circulating for many years. It has been credited to several authors and supposedly written in different locations worldwide. The truth is the poem was written by a Marine Lance Corporal stationed at the Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington, D.C. James M. Schmidt wrote the poem in 1986, which has been circulating ever since.
MARINE IN THE MAKING!
| CLICK TO SHOP NOW |
Have you got a poolee or a recruit in boot camp? Then you've got a Marine in the making, and you need this garden flag! Several styles to choose from, including battalion and our "Marine in the Making Checkbox".

