'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, Donder 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!”
Background to this poem
A Visit from St Nicholas, often better known by its opening line "Twas the night before Christmas," was written by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863). First published anonymously in 1823, the poem quickly captured the public imagination and became one of the most beloved pieces of Christmas writing in the English language. Moore was a scholar and professor rather than a professional poet, which makes the poem's lasting popularity all the more remarkable.
The poem paints a cozy, domestic Christmas Eve scene that many readers instantly recognize. A quiet house, sleeping children, and a sense of anticipation set the stage for magic to enter through the chimney. Moore's language is lively and rhythmic, making the poem a pleasure to read aloud. This musical quality is one reason it has become such a cherished part of family traditions, often shared year after year on Christmas Eve.
One of the poem's most important contributions is the way it shaped the modern image of Santa Claus. Moore describes St Nicholas as cheerful, round, and mischievous, with a twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh. This warm, friendly portrayal helped move Santa away from earlier, more solemn figures and toward the jolly gift giver we recognize today. You can explore how this poem influenced Santa's image further at the History Channel website.
Beyond its cultural influence, the poem endures because of its sense of comfort and joy. It celebrates generosity, family, and the quiet thrill of believing in something magical. There is no heavy moral lesson here, just a gentle reminder that wonder still has a place in the home. The final wish of "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night" feels like a warm hand placed softly on the reader's shoulder.
For Christmas cards, storytime, and holiday crafts, A Visit from St Nicholas remains an ideal choice. Its imagery is vivid and playful, perfect for illustrations or decorative quotes, and its tone suits readers of all ages. Whether shared in full or through a favorite line, this poem continues to bring a sense of tradition and delight to the Christmas season.