Here is the story of this magical night, when children around the world await
the arrival of the gifts that symbolise all the warmth and love of Christmas.
'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 down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the 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 the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes
should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little
old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it 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 dry leaves that before the
wild hurricane fly,