Written during World War I when he was succumbing to cancer, Debussy’s Noël Des Enfants reflects the French resentment of the German attack upon their country and is a plea for vengeance, a prayer from the French children that the Germans should have no Christmas. Even though the children have nothing, they still think of the children of other countries. They want nothing material for themselves. They are selfless. There is great loss, but still hope.