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This famous 1823 poem, also called A Visit from St. Nicholas, is a classic holiday tale that captures the magic of Christmas Eve. It narrates how, while everyone sleeps, Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) arrives in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer to deliver gifts. The poem is celebrated for its lively rhythm, vivid imagery, and for shaping modern depictions of Santa Claus, including his jolly personality, chimney entry, and sleigh ride.
Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863) was an American writer, scholar, and theologian, best known for his 1823 poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas (A Visit from St. Nicholas). He was a professor of Biblical learning at the General Theological Seminary in New York and came from a prominent New York family. Moore’s poem became one of the most influential works in shaping modern Christmas traditions and the popular image of Santa Claus.