A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
One of the classics of Christmas literature is Clement Clarke Moore's poem A Visit from St. Nicholas. Originally published anonymously in 1823, this poem, also known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, has become a traditional part of many family's Christmas celebration and established the modern idea of what St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, is like. His descriptions of a "right jolly old elf" coming down the chimney and leading a team of eight flying reindeer have become the standard which all other stories of St. Nick must follow. It even served as the inspiration for the classic Coca-Cola advertising campaign featuring Santa Claus.
The beauty of Moore's poetry is that it is both descriptive and simple. He creates a world so full of detail the reader cannot help but be transported in their mind into that house on Christmas Eve, yet he does so in a way that even the littlest children can understand the story. Moore's language is so iconic and pervasive that it can often be found being quoted in commercials, television shows, movies, comic strips and books. It is this level of influence that makes A Visit from St. Nicholas such an enduring classic.
So on this Christmas Eve, take time to gather the children around the fire and read A Visit from St. Nicholas.
The beauty of Moore's poetry is that it is both descriptive and simple. He creates a world so full of detail the reader cannot help but be transported in their mind into that house on Christmas Eve, yet he does so in a way that even the littlest children can understand the story. Moore's language is so iconic and pervasive that it can often be found being quoted in commercials, television shows, movies, comic strips and books. It is this level of influence that makes A Visit from St. Nicholas such an enduring classic.
So on this Christmas Eve, take time to gather the children around the fire and read A Visit from St. Nicholas.