"The Night Before Christmas"
by Clement Clark Moore
First published in 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper as “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas”, this poem was written by Clement Moore and first read to his children on Christmas eve in 1822. It is said the Mr. Moore never intended the work to be published. But a family friend heard of the poem from Moore’s children, copied it and submitted it to the newspaper for publication. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years some of the details have altered. For example, the original ending was “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night”. It was first changed in 1832 to “Merry Christmas”. And by 1851, the sub-title, “The Night Before Christmas” had been added.
While a few things about the poem have been changed, what has not changed is the enduring feeling that generations of Americans, and those around the world have for this classic story of the magic and joy of the Christmas season.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Comfort thoughts of Christmas Eves past visit me this time of year. I loved the lighted tree, the brightly ribboned gifts, the swirl of anticipation in my tummy, being tucked into bed and reminded that Santa would come while I slept. Having seen the Nutcracker Suite welcome visions of sugar plums danced in my head. Magical dreams of Santa and his reindeer were a part of my night time too.
The gathering of scattered family for the holiday was fun for all. Laughter filled the air and a child could sense the happiness everyone felt being toghether again. We feasted on turkey and dressing with gravy, green beans and new potatos, mashed potatoes, yellow squash casserole, cranberry sauce, relish and pickles, biscuits, blackeyed peas, cornbread, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, devils food cake and iced tea.
The after glow was filled with sighs of contentment and stories. All who told these wonderful family stories are now gone. Sadly I remember only a few stories. Thankfully there are new stories to record and cherish.
And so, I think of all the little ones on Christmas Eve.
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