On Christmas Eve, the Mayor hosts a grand masquerade ball for all the children in the city, regardless of their social status. The event generates excitement, especially with the arrival of a new costumer who provides exquisite costumes that attract children from all backgrounds. The rich children choose humble characters, while the poor children opt for fairytale roles, allowing them to escape their realities for a night. As the ball unfolds, the children embody their characters so convincingly that they seem transformed. However, when the festivities end, a strange phenomenon occurs: the costumes cannot be removed. The children wake up the next day fully immersed in their roles, causing chaos as they insist on living out their new identities. The Mayor and Aldermen convene to address the crisis, seeking the help of a Wise Woman, who suggests various remedies, none of which work. As spring approaches, the situation worsens, with children from affluent families performing menial tasks while the less fortunate enjoy lives of luxury. Violetta, the Mayor's daughter, seeks a solution and learns from a Cherry-man that the costumer is hiding in a cherry tree. The townspeople attempt to retrieve him but fail. The costumer agrees to help if two conditions are met: every poor child must receive gifts every Christmas, and Violetta must marry the Cherry-man. The Mayor initially resists the second condition but ultimately concedes to avoid his daughter's permanent transformation into a goose-girl. With the conditions accepted, the children regain their true selves, and the city celebrates the resolution to provide gifts to poor children annually. Violetta marries the Cherry-man, and the costumer mysteriously disappears, leaving behind beautiful wedding gifts. The story concludes with a sense of joy and restoration, emphasizing the importance of generosity and compassion during the holiday season.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1910 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Holiday Fiction