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

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

Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. – Terri Guillemets, 2005

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