[T]reating them to ginger-snaps, because it was Christmas Eve. – Edward E. Hale, “They Saw A Great Light: A Christmas Story,” 1873

Christmas Eve came at last. The day was bright and beautiful, the ground crisp and hard, and the hoary trees shining like diamonds! What a happy day it brought to many, to most! Even in the poorest village a little green fir branch testified that it was Christmas Eve. – Amy Campbell, “Christmas Eve,” 1872

Were we any different? I think not, papa; for I recollect very well that I used to try to peep through the key-hole on Christmas Eve, and was greatly vexed that my good mother always hung a cloth before it. – C.C. Shackford, “Christmas Eve in Germany,” c.1870, from the German

It is Christmas Eve, and the fairies come to good children and bring them gingerbread. – C.C. Shackford, “Christmas Eve in Germany,” c.1870, from the German