Twenty-five families of Hawaii National Guardsmen gathered on Christmas Eve in a meeting room in the state house in Honolulu. And guardsmen gathered in a conference room in Kuwait.

Soldiers and their spouses connected in cyberspace to share holiday wishes--even joining in a rendition of "Silent Night--with what one TV reporter described as the "miracle of technology:--a Skype Video call.

Gov. Linda Lingle gave her personal greetings to the troops.

The Honolulu Advertiser described the scene:

"About two dozen family members of the deployed troops took turns saying hello.
Denise Hidrovo, wearing reindeer antlers, blew a kiss to her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Vladamir Hidrovo, and light-heartedly caught up on some bill-paying with him.

"The soldiers, in turn, brought a few tears with a group rendition of 'Silent Night.'...

"April Ikeda, 24, said she's able to stay in touch with her husband via phone, e-mail and video through Skype, but yesterday's gathering brought a social element to the contact.

"The atmosphere, it was a lot different because you could hear other people around you and it's all emotional," Ikeda said. "Just knowing that you are not the only one going through it was a big deal."

KGMB TV said one mother was surprised by her son:

"'Her son never calls and never writes," said Maj. Gen. Robert Lee. "To see her son because the general says you gotta come here and talk to your mom. That was worth it for her. She said that was the best Christmas present."