On this their first Christmas away from home many of the Germans would be likely to be off their guard either through homesickness or dissipation.

They cared nothing for either side.

There had been much plundering in New Jersey and discipline was relaxed.
Howe had been guilty of the folly of making strong the posts farthest from the enemy and weak those nearest to him.

He had, indeed, ordered Rahl to throw up redoubts for the defense of Trenton, but this, as Washington well knew, had not been done for Rahl despised his enemy and spoke of the American army as already lost.

Washington's bold plan was to recross the Delaware and attack Trenton.