Countdown to Christmas 2024 Midweek Week 5 - The Night Before Christmas

October 23, 2024

The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas, also known as A Visit from St. Nicholas, is a classic holiday poem that captures the magical feeling of Christmas Eve. Written by Clement Clarke Moore, the story starts with a cozy scene—everyone in the house is fast asleep, even the mice. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, ready for St. Nick to arrive.

What Does He See?

The narrator is suddenly woken up by a noise outside. He looks out the window and, what does he see? A sleigh flying through the air, pulled by eight tiny reindeer, with none other than Santa Claus (aka St. Nicholas) at the reins! Santa lands on the roof and quickly slides down the chimney, carrying a sack full of toys. He’s described as a jolly, round man with twinkling eyes, a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, and he’s smoking a little pipe.

Santa gets to work, filling the stockings with gifts and treats. Then, with a wink, he shoots back up the chimney and takes off into the night, calling out to his reindeer: “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!” As Santa flies away, the narrator hears him shout the famous closing line, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Fun Trivia

Fun trivia: This poem is one of the main reasons we picture Santa the way we do today, with a big red suit, a sleigh, and flying reindeer. It was originally published anonymously in 1823, but Moore was later credited as the author. Also, did you know that the names of the reindeer were first introduced in this poem? Before this, Santa’s reindeer weren’t a big part of the Christmas story! Also notice, the poem calls them tiny reindeer.

The Night Before Christmas is a short and sweet tale that captures the wonder and excitement of waiting for Santa, making it a perfect read for families on Christmas Eve.

Maybe, you can find something here that you'd like Santa to deliver to one of your loved ones. Here are some great stocking stuffer ideas from several talented artists and designers: