Clement Clarke Moore

“He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.”

“The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.”

“When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.”

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!”

“He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.”

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

“He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk.”

“His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!”

“But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, 'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.'”

“'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”