Who hasn’t heard the Christmas poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas or as its also known A Visit from St. Nicholas.  It’s one of the most recognized poems ever written.  The poem was first published on December 23, 1823 in the Troy, New York Sentinel. It was originally published anonymously, but later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore.

Moore was a Professor and did not want to claim ownership of the poem , as he didn’t want to be associated with the unscholarly verse.  Moore wouldn’t lay claim to the work till he released a book of his own poems in 1844.  Moore created the poem on a snowy winter’s day,  during a shopping trip on a sleigh.  His inspiration for the character of Saint Nicholas was a local Dutch handyman as well as the historical Saint Nicholas. While Moore originated many of the features that are still associated with Santa Claus today, he borrowed other aspects such as the names of the reindeer.

This poem has been told so many times in many different ways, from cartoons to movies showing the story.  It’s been in comic strips and even Chevy Chase reciting the poem in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. This poem has been a part of our culture since it debut.  Disney released this video a few years ago on Christmas Eve showing various Cast Members telling the poem and it’s become our tradition to show it each year since. ENJOY!


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