Harper's Young People, January 10, 1882 An Illustrated Weekly

On a frosty New Year’s Eve Marjorie finds a mysterious door hidden in a castle’s crystal‑clad hall. With a trembling hand she turns the key and steps into a glittering gallery that opens onto a vaulted chamber of sapphire, emerald and jasper. The room glows with golden toys and a throne flanked by reindeers, and a voice that seems to echo from the walls tells her she has entered Santa Claus’s council chamber.

Before her, a procession of fairy‑tale guests—Beauty, Prince Charming, Cinderella, the Sleeping Beauty, and even Jack the Giant‑killer—takes their places beside the jolly ruler in his snowy fur cloak. Toys and dolls pour in, marching in a lively parade, while the scent of a steaming bean‑porridge feast drifts through the air. Marjorie watches, wide‑eyed, as the enchanted company prepares a wondrous celebration, inviting her to wonder what role she might play in this magical gathering.