T'was The Night Before Christmas ~ Narrated by SStevenS

Clement Clarke Moore (1799 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas The Night Before Christmas for his children in 1822. Now a tradition in many American families to read the poem every Christmas Eve. The poem 'Twas the night before Christmas' has redefined our image of Christmas and Santa Claus. Prior to the creation of the story of 'Twas the night before Christmas, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, had never been associated with a sleigh or reindeer! Twas 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 sleeping all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. Mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled-in 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. When, what to my eyes should there 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. He shouted, and called all by name! "Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on Donner and Blitzen! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" So up to the house-top they flew... a sleigh full of toys, and St Nicholas too. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down through the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from head to his foot, his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and looked like a peddler opening his sack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! 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! He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. laying his finger aside of his nose, gave a nod, and 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. I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"