Away from the noise of city life, away from the hustle of town life, and away from the occasional whisper of village life, all is peaceful on the night before Christmas. The snow lies thick while those inside sit warm and snug beside a crackling fire.
   The children with scalded fingers open hot roasted chestnuts while their parents look on in amusement. The candles flicker with a rosy glow throughout the house and the grandfather clock ticks soothingly, marking time and bringing ever closer the magical hour.
   The children snatch the occasional glance at the gifts that are stacked high around the foot of a glistening Christmas tree, the glass baubles reflecting the glow from a hundred tiny candles, their faces momentarily filling with excited anticipation. Soon enough the grandfather clock strikes 11 o'clock and so it is off to their prayers, warm beds, and to sleep. "Sleep in heavenly peace."