VOA Learning English Presents 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'

2023-12-24

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  • In 1822, an American professor named Clement Clarke Moore wrote a poem that redefined the image of Saint Nicholas. It was called "Account of a Visit from Saint Nicholas." He did not expect it to be published. He wrote it as a Christmas present for his young children. In recent years, experts have questioned whether Moore actually wrote the poem.
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  • Some believe it was written by Henry Livingston, a map maker in New York who wrote and published funny poems in his spare time.
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  • But whoever wrote this classic poem, it has since become a favorite around the world. This poem combines the traditions of Santa Claus, seasonal decorations and gift-giving that have come to define Christmas in America.
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  • We give you the staff of Learning English reading Clement Clarke Moore's poem, popularly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
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  • 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
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  • Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
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  • The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
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  • In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.
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  • The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
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  • While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
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  • And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
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  • Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
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  • When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
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  • I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
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  • Away to the window I flew like a flash,
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  • Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
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  • The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
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  • Gave lustre of mid-day to objects below.
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  • When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,
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  • But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
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  • With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
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  • I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick.
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  • More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
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  • And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
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  • "Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
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  • On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donder and Blitzen!
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  • To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
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  • Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
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  • As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
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  • When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
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  • So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
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  • With the sleigh full of toys, and Saint Nicholas, too.
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  • And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
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  • The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
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  • As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
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  • Down the chimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound.
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  • He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
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  • And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
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  • A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
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  • And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
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  • His eyes -- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
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  • His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
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  • His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
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  • And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
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  • The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
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  • And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
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  • He had a broad face and a little round belly,
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  • That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
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  • He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
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  • And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
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  • A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
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  • Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
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  • He spoke not a word, and went straight to his work,
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  • Filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
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  • And laying his finger aside of his nose,
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  • And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
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  • He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
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  • And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
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  • But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
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  • "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
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  • Dorothy Gundy produced the video.
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  • Do you have a favorite holiday poem? Tell us about it in the comments section.