Christmas Greetings from a Fairy to a Child by Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll’s Christmas Greetings from a Fairy to a Child was written by Lewis Carroll to celebrate Christmas in 1867. It was retrieved from his book, Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, the original manuscript of Carroll’s most well-known, fanciful adventure, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. What a treat to enjoy his poem for the holidays!

Lady dear, if Fairies may
For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
‘Tis at happy Christmas-tide.

We have heard the children say—
Gentle children, whom we love—
Long ago, on Christmas Day,
Came a message from above.

Still, as Christmas-tide comes round,
They remember it again—
Echo still the joyful sound
“Peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Yet the hearts must childlike be
Where such heavenly guests abide:
Unto children, in their glee,
All the year is Christmas-tide!

Thus, forgetting tricks and play
For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
Merry Christmas, glad New Year!

LEWIS CARROLL.

Christmas, 1867.