Christmas presents being packed for shelterers

This photo was taken just before Christmas in 1940. It was taken at St James's Park Underground, during the Second World War. Although the war made everyday life difficult, adults tried to keep things normal for children. In the picture, a woman is putting children's toys into a sack held by a man in London Underground uniform. The presents were for children sheltering in nearby deep level tube station. Even if Christmas Eve was spent sleeping on the platform, the children would still wake up to presents.