Some believe it was written by Henry Livingston , a map maker in New York who wrote and published funny poems in his spare time .
We give you the staff of Learning English reading Clement Clarke Moore's poem , popularly known as “’Twas the Night Before 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 Saint 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 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 lustre of mid-day 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 it must be Saint Nick .
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came , And he whistled , and shouted , and called them by name !
Now , Prancer and Vixen !
On Donder and Blitzen !
To the top of the porch !
To the top of the wall !
Now dash away !
Dash away all !"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly , When they meet with an obstacle , mount to the sky .
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 Saint 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 peddler , 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 of his chin was as white as the snow .
He had a broad face and a little round belly , That shook when he laughed , like a bowlful 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 , and went straight to his work , 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 !"