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When my daughters were small, I read a children’s story book to them before bedtime. One of my favorite books was “Twas the Night before Christmas.” I probably read it much too often between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My children could say the lines as I read them.

Wikipedia explained that “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “Twas the Night before Christmas,” is a poem first published anonymously in 1823 and generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, although a claim has also been made that it was written by Henry Livingston, Jr. This poem tells of one man’s Christmas Eve experience. While his wife and children sleep, the man was awakened by noises outside the house. Looking out the window, he saw St. Nicholas in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. After flying up onto the roof, St. Nicholas entered the house through the chimney, carrying a sack of toys with him. The man watched as St. Nicholas filled the children's stockings hanging by the fire. As St. Nicholas was flying away, he wished everyone a happy Christmas.

Some phrases in this poem remind me of past Christmases:
1. “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring….”

Thinking back to Christmas Eves when our children were small, the time frame when creatures were not stirring in our house was very narrow. As many of you know, that night’s to-do list can go on and on. My husband and I would wait until the children were asleep, and then work our Christmas magic (The key word here is ‘work.’).

2. “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there….”

Our children, like most, were eager to discover their Christmas surprises. Our children’s stockings were usually filled with small items and/or candy and gum. And, since we didn’t have a mantel, their stockings were placed with their gifts.

3. “The children were nestled all snug in their beds…. [and mamma and I] had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.”

On some Christmas Eves, my husband and I might only sleep two or three hours. Not only had we worked late, but our children did not ‘sleep in’ on Christmas morning. We asked that our children wake us before going to see their presents. The children were almost always awake before my husband or me.

4. “But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, ‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!’”

Christmas is indeed a happy time, a time for family and friends. And, at the end of the day – Christmas Eve, most of us need a little sleep in order to enjoy Christmas Day.

Though this poem doesn’t explain why we celebrate Christmas, it’s written in a way that delights children. "Twas the Night before Christmas" is a classic. And, as St. Nicholas said, happy Christmas to all!