The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore – A Christmas Poem

Few literary works capture the magic and wonder of Christmas quite like ‘The Night Before Christmas’, also known as ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’. Penned by Clement C. Moore over 200 years ago, this beloved poem was first published in 1823 and has since become an integral part of holiday traditions around the world. But what is it about this poem that continues to captivate readers year after year? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins and authorship of this classic, unravel its charming story, and explore its lasting impact on Christmas celebrations.

The Night Before Christmas: Exploring the Magic Behind a Timeless Classic

Origins and Authorship

Clement C. Moore is widely recognized as the author of ‘The Night Before Christmas’, but this festive masterpiece was first published anonymously in 1823. The journey of this poem from its creation to becoming a household favourite is filled with dispute over its true authorship.

The most notable challenge to Moore’s authorship comes from the family of Henry Livingston Jr., a New York poet who lived during the same period. Livingston’s descendants assert that he wrote the poem and that it was first published anonymously because Livingston, a gentleman farmer, did not seek public recognition for his literary works. They argue that the style and themes of the poem are consistent with Livingston’s other writings, which often featured a playful, whimsical tone and Dutch references, much like the depiction of St. Nicholas in the poem.

The historical record predominantly supports Moore’s claim, largely because of his public acknowledgement and the inclusion of the poem in his 1844 collection. However, the Livingston claim remains a fascinating part of the poem’s history.

Plot and Story

At its heart, ‘The Night Before Christmas’ weaves a simple yet enchanting narrative. The poem vividly describes the arrival of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, on Christmas Eve. With detailed imagery, it paints a picture of Santa’s jolly character, his sleigh, and the iconic reindeer who lead his way. Readers are introduced to the names of these reindeer—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen—adding to the charm and magic of the story.

Significance and Impact

The significance of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ extends beyond its captivating plot. This poem played a pivotal role in shaping modern conceptions of Santa Claus and solidifying many Christmas traditions we cherish today. Its portrayal of Santa’s cheerful demeanour, his red suit, and his nocturnal gift-giving have left an indelible mark on popular culture and holiday customs.

Poetic Style and Form

Moore’s use of poetic metre and rhyme scheme in ‘The Night Before Christmas’ is another aspect of its enduring literary significance. The poem’s anapestic tetrameter and its rich use of vivid imagery and other poetic devices contribute to its musical quality.

The Night Before Christmas

– By Clement C. 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 reindeer,


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!”

Suggested Reading

Charles Dickens tells the tale of an elderly miser named Ebenezer Scrooge

Containing five famous Christmas novels by Charles Dickens. The novels perfectly enraptured the spirit of the Victorian Christmas revival and even inspired a number of traditional aspects of the holiday.