Days of anticipation

EVES

Think of the nights just before big holidays or celebrations—what are they commonly called?

"Days of anticipation" hints at the time just before something important happens, like the night before a holiday or event. The word "eves" fits because it’s short for "eves" (as in Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve), which are literally the evenings leading up to big days. The clue plays on the idea of waiting or looking forward to something, and "eves" captures that sense of expectation perfectly. It’s a straightforward definition with no hidden wordplay—just a clever way to describe those exciting pre-event moments.