Introduction: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore first appeared in 1823 in the Troy Sentinel, an anonymous publication that quickly gained popularity. Later attributed to Moore, this poem became one of the most enduring Christmas classics, helping to shape the modern image of Santa Claus. Its vivid descriptions, such as St. Nicholas being “chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf” and the names of his eight reindeer—”Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!”—cemented many of today’s Christmas traditions. The poem’s magical and rhythmic storytelling, filled with warmth and anticipation, resonated with readers, making it a beloved part of holiday culture. Its universal themes of generosity, joy, and the whimsical charm of Christmas Eve captured the imagination of children and adults alike. The scene of Santa filling stockings “with a bundle of toys flung on his back” and his quiet yet enchanting departure—”laying his finger aside of his nose, / And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose”—reinforced the mystique of Santa Claus. Through its playful tone, engaging rhymes, and nostalgic imagery, Moore’s poem became a cornerstone of Christmas literature, defining the holiday spirit for generations.
Text: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
‘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 our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my 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 a lustre of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he 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 leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
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 St. 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 pedler 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 on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full 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, but went straight to his work,
And 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!”
Annotations: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
| Line from the Poem | Annotation (Simple English) | Literary Devices |
| ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house | It was Christmas Eve, and the house was quiet. | Alliteration, Imagery |
| Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; | No one, not even a small mouse, was making noise. | Personification |
| The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, | Christmas stockings were hung by the fireplace with care. | Imagery, Symbolism |
| In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; | They hoped St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) would arrive soon. | Symbolism |
| The children were nestled all snug in their beds; | The children were asleep in their warm beds. | Imagery |
| While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; | They were dreaming of delicious Christmas treats. | Imagery, Metaphor |
| And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, | Mother wore a headscarf, and father wore a sleeping cap. | Imagery |
| Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, | They had just gone to bed for a good night’s sleep. | Personification |
| When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, | Suddenly, a loud noise came from the yard. | Onomatopoeia |
| I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. | The narrator quickly got out of bed to check. | Imagery |
| Away to the window I flew like a flash, | He ran to the window quickly. | Simile, Hyperbole |
| Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. | He opened the window shutters excitedly. | Imagery |
| The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, | The moonlight made the snow shine brightly. | Personification, Imagery |
| Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, | It was so bright that everything looked clear. | Imagery |
| When what to my wondering eyes did appear, | Then, something surprising appeared outside. | Imagery, Suspense |
| But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, | A small sleigh with eight tiny reindeer. | Imagery |
| With a little old driver so lively and quick, | The sleigh had a little old man who was lively. | Imagery, Alliteration |
| I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. | Immediately, the narrator knew it was St. Nicholas. | Imagery |
| More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, | The reindeer moved faster than eagles. | Simile, Hyperbole |
| And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: | St. Nicholas called out their names loudly. | Repetition, Alliteration |
| “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!” | He called Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen. | Repetition |
| “On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!” | He also called Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen. | Repetition |
| To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! | He told them to fly high onto the house. | Imagery, Repetition |
| Now dash away! dash away! dash away all! | He urged them to move fast and fly away. | Repetition |
| As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, | The reindeer moved as fast as leaves in a storm. | Simile |
| When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; | When wind lifts objects up into the sky. | Personification |
| So up to the housetop the coursers they flew | They reached the rooftop quickly. | Imagery |
| With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— | St. Nicholas had a sleigh full of toys. | Imagery |
| And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof | Then, the narrator heard noises on the roof. | Onomatopoeia |
| The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. | The reindeer were moving and stepping there. | Onomatopoeia |
| As I drew in my head, and was turning around, | As he turned to look, something happened. | Imagery |
| Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. | St. Nicholas jumped down the chimney. | Imagery |
| He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, | He was wearing a fur outfit from head to toe. | Imagery |
| And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; | His clothes were dirty with soot from the chimney. | Imagery, Symbolism |
| A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, | He carried a big sack of toys on his back. | Simile |
| And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. | He looked like a traveling salesman opening his bag. | Imagery, Personification |
| His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! | His eyes twinkled, and he looked very happy. | Imagery, Metaphor |
| His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! | His cheeks were red, and his nose was shiny. | Simile |
| His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, | His mouth was curved like a bow. | Simile |
| And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; | His beard was thick and white like snow. | Simile |
| The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, | He held a pipe in his mouth. | Imagery |
| And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; | The smoke made a wreath around his head. | Personification |
| He had a broad face and a little round belly | His face was big, and his belly was round. | Imagery |
| That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. | When he laughed, his belly shook like jelly. | Imagery, Simile |
| He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, | He was plump and looked very cheerful. | Imagery |
| And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; | The narrator laughed when he saw him. | Imagery |
| A wink of his eye and a twist of his head | St. Nicholas winked and nodded. | Personification |
| Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; | This made the narrator feel safe. | Symbolism |
| He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, | He did not speak but got to work. | Imagery |
| And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, | He filled all the stockings quickly. | Imagery |
| And laying his finger aside of his nose, | Then, he touched his nose with his finger. | Imagery |
| And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; | And went back up the chimney magically. | Imagery |
| He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, | He jumped into his sleigh and whistled. | Alliteration, Repetition |
| And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. | They flew away quickly into the sky. | Simile |
| But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— | The narrator heard him shout as he left. | Imagery |
| “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” | He wished everyone a ‘Merry Christmas!’ | Dialogue |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
| Literary Device | Example from the Poem | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!” | The repetition of initial consonant sounds creates a musical quality. |
| Allusion | St. Nicholas (reference to the historical figure of Santa Claus) | A reference to a well-known figure, making the poem relatable. |
| Anaphora | “Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” | The repetition of words at the beginning of successive phrases for emphasis. |
| Assonance | “He had a broad face and a little round belly / That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.” | The repetition of vowel sounds enhances the rhythm and flow. |
| Consonance | “And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:” | The repetition of consonant sounds, often at the end of words, creates harmony. |
| Dialogue | “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” | Characters speak directly, making the poem more engaging. |
| Enjambment | “When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, / I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.” | A sentence or phrase carries over to the next line, maintaining flow. |
| Epiphora | “And laying his finger aside of his nose, / And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;” | The repetition of words at the end of successive phrases for effect. |
| Hyperbole | “More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,” | An exaggerated statement for dramatic effect. |
| Imagery | “The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, / Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,” | Descriptive language appealing to the senses, creating vivid imagery. |
| Irony | Santa is described as covered in soot, despite being magical. | A contrast between what is expected and what happens (Santa being dirty). |
| Metaphor | “While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;” | A direct comparison without “like” or “as”, adding vividness. |
| Onomatopoeia | “When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,” | A word that imitates the sound it describes, enhancing realism. |
| Parallelism | “To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!” | Using similar grammatical structures to create a pattern. |
| Personification | “The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,” | Giving human traits to non-human things, making them relatable. |
| Repetition | “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!” | Repeating words or phrases to emphasize meaning. |
| Rhyme | “Away to the window I flew like a flash, / Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.” | The use of similar-sounding words to create a pleasing effect. |
| Rhythm | “The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.” | The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables gives the poem a rhythm. |
| Simile | “His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!” | A comparison using “like” or “as” to create a strong image. |
| Symbolism | Stockings represent the hope for gifts from Santa. | Objects represent larger ideas, adding depth to the poem. |
Themes: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
- The Magic of Christmas: One of the central themes of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore is the magic and wonder of Christmas. The poem captures the anticipation and excitement of Christmas Eve as the narrator witnesses the arrival of St. Nicholas. This sense of magic is reflected in the imagery of Santa’s sleigh flying through the night, pulled by “eight tiny rein-deer,” and the way he descends “down the chimney” with ease. The poem transforms a quiet and ordinary household into a place of enchantment, filled with dreams of sugar plums and the mysterious visit of Santa Claus. The narrator, initially startled by “a clatter” outside, is soon filled with awe and joy as he recognizes St. Nicholas, saying, “I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.” This magical transformation of the night into a moment of wonder is what has made the poem so enduring and beloved over generations.
- Generosity and the Spirit of Giving: The theme of generosity and the spirit of giving is evident throughout “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, as Santa Claus represents the joy of selflessly giving to others. St. Nicholas, described as a “right jolly old elf,” does not speak but simply goes “straight to his work,” filling stockings with toys and gifts before quietly disappearing into the night. His kind and cheerful nature is emphasized when he “winked” and gave a reassuring gesture to the narrator, reinforcing that his visit is meant to bring happiness rather than fear. This portrayal of Santa as a figure of generosity aligns with the traditional idea of Christmas as a time of kindness, sharing, and goodwill. The act of giving, without seeking recognition, is a key aspect of Christmas traditions, and this poem has helped shape that cultural expectation.
- Family, Home, and Togetherness: The poem also highlights the warmth and comfort of family and home during the Christmas season. The setting is a cozy household where “the children were nestled all snug in their beds,” and the parents are peacefully resting as well. This imagery of a safe and loving home, where stockings are “hung by the chimney with care,” evokes the sense of togetherness that makes Christmas special. Even though Santa is an external visitor, his presence does not disrupt the peace of the home; instead, he adds to its warmth by delivering gifts and departing quietly. This theme reinforces the idea that Christmas is a time for loved ones to come together, sharing in the joy of the holiday within the comforting embrace of home.
- The Power of Imagination and Belief: A significant theme in “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore is the power of imagination and belief in the extraordinary. The poem invites readers to embrace the wonder of Santa Claus and his magical sleigh, reinforcing the idea that belief in something joyful can bring happiness. The narrator, an adult, becomes momentarily childlike in his excitement and amazement as he watches St. Nicholas at work, exclaiming, “What to my wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer.” This sense of wonder and belief in the unseen is what keeps the magic of Christmas alive for both children and adults. The poem encourages the idea that sometimes, the most extraordinary things happen when one chooses to believe in them, making it a timeless and cherished piece of Christmas literature.
Literary Theories and “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
| Literary Theory | Application to “A Visit from St. Nicholas” | References from the Poem |
| Structuralism | Structuralism focuses on the underlying structure of texts. The poem follows a clear narrative pattern: a peaceful night, an unexpected event, recognition of Santa, and his departure. The repetition and rhythmic structure reinforce traditional Christmas storytelling. The naming of the reindeer (“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!”) follows a structured list, emphasizing order and predictability. | “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!” (structure and repetition) |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Psychoanalytic criticism examines subconscious desires and emotions. The poem portrays childhood fantasies of Santa Claus, representing a universal wish for magic and wonder. The father’s reaction—”I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick”—shows an adult surrendering to childhood imagination, which can be interpreted as a deep-seated longing for belief in the extraordinary. | “I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick” (belief and imagination) |
| Marxist Criticism | Marxist criticism looks at class struggle and economic themes. The poem presents Christmas as a time of abundance, with Santa delivering gifts to children. However, it assumes a comfortable middle-class home (“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care”), reflecting a privileged perspective on holiday traditions, excluding those who cannot afford such luxuries. | “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” (middle-class tradition) |
| Reader-Response Theory | Reader-response theory emphasizes the reader’s interpretation. The poem has remained beloved because it allows readers to engage with their own memories of Christmas. Lines like “the children were nestled all snug in their beds” evoke nostalgic emotions, and different generations may find varied meanings, depending on their experiences with holiday traditions. | “The children were nestled all snug in their beds” (nostalgia and memory) |
Critical Questions about “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
- How does “A Visit from St. Nicholas” shape modern perceptions of Santa Claus?
- “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore has played a crucial role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus. Before this poem, depictions of St. Nicholas varied widely, but Moore’s description of him as a “jolly old elf” with a “little round belly that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly” became the standard image of Santa Claus in popular culture. The poem also established details such as Santa’s use of a sleigh pulled by reindeer—”Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! / On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!”—which have remained central to the Santa Claus mythos. How did Moore’s portrayal influence later representations of Santa in literature, advertising, and holiday traditions? Did his depiction reflect existing folklore, or did it invent new characteristics that have since become tradition?
- How does the poem create a sense of magic and wonder?
- “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore captures the magic and wonder of Christmas Eve through its imagery, rhythm, and narrative structure. The poem transforms an ordinary home into a place of enchantment, where reindeer fly through the sky—”So up to the housetop the coursers they flew / With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too”—and Santa can enter homes effortlessly through the chimney. The narrator’s reaction, “What to my wondering eyes did appear,” emphasizes a childlike amazement at witnessing something extraordinary. How does Moore use literary devices such as rhyme, alliteration, and sensory imagery to enhance this sense of wonder? Does the poem’s portrayal of Santa rely more on visual descriptions or the reactions of the narrator to create its magical atmosphere?
- What role does the theme of generosity play in “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
- The poem emphasizes the theme of generosity, portraying St. Nicholas as a silent gift-giver who spreads joy without seeking recognition. His actions are described in a matter-of-fact manner—”He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, / And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk”—which reinforces the idea that he expects nothing in return. This depiction aligns with the broader cultural tradition of Santa Claus as a symbol of giving. However, the poem also presents a somewhat idealized version of Christmas, where the focus is on material gifts and a well-prepared home: “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.” Does the poem suggest that generosity is primarily expressed through gift-giving, or does it hint at a deeper sense of holiday spirit beyond material presents?
- How does “A Visit from St. Nicholas” reflect 19th-century American values and traditions?
- Written in the early 19th century, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” provides insight into the customs and values of its time. The depiction of a warm, middle-class home—where children sleep peacefully and stockings are carefully hung—reflects an idealized domestic setting that was highly valued in 19th-century America. The father, the poem’s narrator, is both a protector of the home and a participant in the holiday magic, symbolizing the era’s emphasis on family unity. Additionally, Santa’s role as a bringer of gifts suggests a growing consumer culture and the association of Christmas with material goods. How does the poem’s portrayal of family, home, and holiday traditions compare to contemporary views of Christmas? Does it idealize a specific social class or economic status, and if so, how does that shape its lasting legacy?
Literary Works Similar to “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
- “The Night Before Christmas in the South” by E. J. Sullivan – A regional adaptation of Moore’s poem that retains its structure and rhyme scheme while incorporating Southern traditions, demonstrating how “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has influenced holiday poetry.
- “Old Santeclaus with Much Delight” (1821, anonymous) – A predecessor to Moore’s poem that also describes Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, featuring a similar depiction of Santa as a gift-bringer, making it an important influence on “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
- “Christmas Eve” by Robert Browning – Though more philosophical in tone, this poem shares “A Visit from St. Nicholas”‘s theme of the magic of Christmas night and the wonder associated with the holiday season.
- “A Christmas Carol” by Christina Rossetti – Like Moore’s poem, this piece celebrates the joy and warmth of Christmas, though with a stronger focus on religious themes rather than the Santa Claus mythology.
- “The Boy’s Christmas” by James Whitcomb Riley – A nostalgic, rhyming poem that captures the excitement of Christmas through a child’s perspective, mirroring the sense of anticipation and wonder found in “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
Representative Quotations of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house / Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; | This opening line sets the quiet, expectant atmosphere of Christmas Eve, emphasizing the stillness before Santa’s arrival. | Structuralism – Establishes the poem’s predictable narrative pattern and traditional holiday storytelling. |
| The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, / In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; | Establishes the tradition of hanging stockings and the anticipation of Santa Claus, reinforcing the theme of giving. | Marxist Criticism – Reflects middle-class holiday traditions and expectations of gift-giving. |
| The children were nestled all snug in their beds; / While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; | Illustrates the innocence and excitement of children, capturing the magic of Christmas through their dreams. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – Represents childhood imagination and subconscious desires for magic and joy. |
| When what to my wondering eyes did appear, / But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, | The narrator’s moment of realization and wonder as he sees Santa Claus for the first time, reinforcing the theme of belief. | Reader-Response Theory – Encourages the reader to experience the wonder of Santa’s arrival alongside the narrator. |
| “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! / On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!” | The famous naming of Santa’s reindeer, adding rhythm and a sense of urgency to the poem’s magical atmosphere. | Formalism – Highlights the poem’s rhythm, rhyme, and repetition to create a sense of movement and excitement. |
| He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, / And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; | A detailed description of Santa’s rugged appearance, making him seem both mystical and relatable. | New Historicism – Provides insight into 19th-century conceptions of Santa Claus and holiday traditions. |
| He had a broad face and a little round belly, / That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. | Depicts Santa as cheerful and jolly, creating the lasting image of Santa as a warm and friendly figure. | Mythological Criticism – Reinforces Santa as a mythical figure with universal appeal. |
| He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, / And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, | Shows Santa as a selfless, silent worker, reinforcing the idea of generosity without expectation of reward. | Moral Criticism – Emphasizes the virtue of generosity and selflessness. |
| He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, / And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. | Captures the fleeting nature of Santa’s visit, adding to the sense of mystery and excitement. | Post-Structuralism – Suggests Santa’s fleeting presence challenges traditional notions of reality and belief. |
| But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— / ‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!’ | Santa’s farewell, leaving a lasting message of holiday cheer and goodwill that echoes throughout the poem. | Humanism – Promotes universal goodwill and the uplifting spirit of Christmas. |
Suggested Readings: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
- Moore, Clement, and Felix Octavius Carr Darley. A Visit From Saint Nicholas:[Illustrated]. E-Kitap Projesi & Cheapest Books, 2023.
- Kellam, William Porter. “The Story of ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas.'” The Georgia Review, vol. 8, no. 4, 1954, pp. 396–405. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41395270. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
- TEMPLEMAN, ELEANOR LEE, and Clement Clarke Moore. “A Cherished Christmas Poem: ‘The Night Before Christmas.'” Anglican and Episcopal History, vol. 58, no. 4, 1989, pp. 442–47. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42610632. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
- Sonne, Niels H. “‘The Night Before Christmas’: Who Wrote It?” Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church, vol. 41, no. 4, 1972, pp. 373–80. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42973358. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.