VOA Learning English Presents 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'
2023-12-24
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1In 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. 2Some believe it was written by Henry Livingston, a map maker in New York who wrote and published funny poems in his spare time. 3But 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. 4We give you the staff of Learning English reading Clement Clarke Moore's poem, popularly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." 5'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house 6Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. 7The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 8In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there. 9The children were nestled all snug in their beds, 10While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. 11And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, 12Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. 13When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, 14I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. 15Away to the window I flew like a flash, 16Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. 17The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow 18Gave lustre of mid-day to objects below. 19When, what to my wondering eyes did appear, 20But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. 21With a little old driver, so lively and quick, 22I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. 23More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, 24And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! 25"Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! 26On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donder and Blitzen! 27To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! 28Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" 29As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, 30When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. 31So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, 32With the sleigh full of toys, and Saint Nicholas, too. 33And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof 34The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. 35As I drew in my head, and was turning around, 36Down the chimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound. 37He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, 38And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. 39A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, 40And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack. 41His eyes -- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! 42His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! 43His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, 44And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. 45The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, 46And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. 47He had a broad face and a little round belly, 48That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly! 49He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, 50And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! 51A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, 52Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. 53He spoke not a word, and went straight to his work, 54Filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. 55And laying his finger aside of his nose, 56And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose! 57He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, 58And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. 59But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, 60"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" 61Dorothy Gundy produced the video. 62Do you have a favorite holiday poem? Tell us about it in the comments section.