As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” we are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling to bring joy and warmth to our lives. Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, originally penned as a simple gift for his children, has become a beloved holiday tradition that continues to enchant and inspire generations. It serves as a testament to the magic of Christmas and the timeless appeal of a good story, shared with loved ones on a snowy winter’s night.

A Visit from St. Nicholas

BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

‘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 my 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 a lustre of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he 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 leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop 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 pedler 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 on 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 bowl full 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!”

Celebrating Two Centuries of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” A Visit from Saint Nick

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…. (The poem in full is down below)

These timeless words have been enchanting readers for two centuries, marking the 200th anniversary of Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

The Early Publication

On December 23, 1823, the Troy Sentinel, a newspaper in upstate New York, published “A Visit from St. Nicholas” anonymously. It wasn’t until over a decade later, in 1837, that Clement Clarke Moore claimed authorship when he included it in his book “Poems.” The poem quickly gained popularity for its vivid imagery, playful language, and the introduction of Santa Claus as we know him today.

Why Clement Clarke Moore Wrote It

Clement Clarke Moore, a theologian and professor of Oriental and Greek Literature, didn’t originally intend for “A Visit from St. Nicholas” to be published. The story goes that Moore wrote this poem as a Christmas gift for his children. His inspiration reportedly came from a snowy sleigh ride he took with his family in 1822, where he sought to create a memorable and magical Christmas experience for his children. Little did he know that his heartfelt gift would become a cherished holiday tradition for generations to come.

The Legacy of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Shaping Santa Claus: “Twas the Night Before Christmas” played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus. Moore’s description of St. Nick as a “jolly old elf” with a “little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly” laid the foundation for the Santa we all know and love today. This imagery has influenced countless holiday illustrations, films, and advertisements.
Holiday Tradition: The poem has become a cherished tradition in many households, often read aloud on Christmas Eve as families gather to celebrate the holiday season. Its timeless charm continues to captivate both young and old, creating lasting memories year after year.
Literary Influence: “Twas the Night Before Christmas” has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture. It has been referenced and parodied in countless books, films, and television shows, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic holiday tales.
Global Reach: The poem has been translated into numerous languages, allowing people from around the world to enjoy the magic of this Christmas classic.