From This Week in Civil War History by Michael K. Shaffer.
Besides the First Battle of Fort Fisher, Confederate General John Bell Hood was retreating from his resounding defeat at the Battle of Nashville. His Army of Tennessee began crossing the Tennessee River on December 26th.
Hood's defeat by General Thomas and Sherman's taking of Savannah were great gifts for President Lincoln. On December 26th, Lincoln wrote Sherman expressing "...many thanks for your Christmas gift...." He continued, "Now, the undertaking being a success (March to the Sea), the honor is all yours; for I believe none of us went further than to acquiesce." But, Lincoln also wanted to know "what next?"
--Old Secesh
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