A Christmas Dream, and How It Came to Be True Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

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Richness as a symbol of vanity

Effie is a privileged girl because she comes from a rich family. For instance, her parents are rich and can buy her every present she needs. However, Effie feels empty, and she does not see the significance of Christmas despite receiving all kinds of gifts. Effie says, "Poor children have better times than rich ones. I can't go out, and a girl about my age splashes along without any maid to fuss about rubbers and cloaks and umbrellas and colds. I wish I were a beggar-girl." Effie’s wish to be a beggar shows that everything is vanity, including riches.

Santa Claus

The author figuratively uses Santa Claus to represent boredom. Effie notices that Santa Claus exhibits similar traits during every Christmas season, and she finds it boring. Effie says, “Then there is a Christmas tree somewhere, with a doll on top, or a stupid old Santa Claus, and children dancing and screaming over bonbons and toys that break, and shiny things that are useless."

Christmas

The author allegorically uses Christmas to represent Christian customs of honoring the birth of Jesus. Effie observes that Christmas is celebrated yearly, and she finds it boring. However, Effie's mother reminds her that Christmas is a very important day in the Christian calendar, and every person must be happy because that day comes once a year.

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