synopsis of a visit from st. nicholas

Twas The Night Before Christmas- Summary & Analysis

Table of Contents

About the Poem “ Twas the night before “

Themes of twas the night before christmas.

The themes of the poem “ Twas the night before christmas ” by Clement Clarke Moore are:

• Christmas Joy ➤ The poem celebrates the excitement and happiness of Christmas Eve, especially for children.
• Magic and Wonder ➤ It portrays the magical arrival of Santa Claus and the wonder it brings to children.
• Family and Tradition ➤ It highlights the importance of family gatherings and the traditional customs of celebrating Christmas.
• Anticipation ➤ The poem captures the anticipation and eagerness of children as they await the arrival of Santa Claus.
• Generosity ➤ It conveys the message of giving and spreading joy, as Santa Claus delivers gifts to children.

Literary Devices of Twas the night before christmas

• Rhyme Scheme – The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, contributing to its rhythmic and melodic quality.
• Alliteration – The repetition of consonant sounds, such as in “stockings were hung by the chimney with care,” enhances the poem’s musicality.
• Imagery – Vivid descriptions create mental pictures of the scenes, like “visions of sugarplums danced in their heads,” painting a festive and joyful atmosphere.
• Personification – The poem personifies objects and creatures, giving them human-like qualities, as seen in “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
• Repetition – The repetition of the phrase “not a creature was stirring” emphasizes the quiet and stillness of the night, building a sense of anticipation.
• Symbolism – Objects like stockings and the chimney represent Christmas traditions and add symbolic depth to the poem.
• Metaphor – The phrase “a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer” employs metaphor, creating a vivid image of Santa’s mode of transportation.
• Hyperbole – Exaggerations, like “more rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,” add excitement and energy to the description of Santa’s arrival.
• Anaphora – The repetition of the word “with” in the line “with a little old driver, so lively and quick” adds emphasis and rhythm to the description.
• Enjambment – The poem uses enjambment to maintain a flowing and continuous rhythm, contributing to its storytelling quality.

“ Twas the night before christmas ” Poem 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,  Donner  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!”

Watch Full Poem Summaty & Analysis

Twas the night before christmas Summary

A Visit from St. Nicholas , also known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas , is a poem written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822. It is one of the most famous Christmas poems of all time, and its descriptions of Santa Claus and his reindeer have helped to shape the modern-day image of Santa.

The poem begins on Christmas Eve, with the speaker’s family preparing for bed. The children are nestled in their beds, dreaming of sugarplums (a type of candy), and the speaker and his wife are about to settle down for the night.

Suddenly, the speaker hears a clatter outside. He rushes to the window and sees Santa Claus and his eight reindeer landing on the roof. Santa climbs down the chimney and enters the house, carrying a sack full of toys.

The speaker is amazed by Santa’s appearance. He is a jolly old elf with a twinkle in his eye and a nose like a cherry. He is dressed in a fur suit and has a beard as white as snow.

Santa delivers presents to all of the good little boys and girls in the house. He fills the stockings hanging by the fireplace and leaves toys under the Christmas tree. Then, he climbs back up the chimney and returns to his sleigh.

As Santa flies away, he calls out, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

The speaker is overjoyed by Santa’s visit. He knows that this is a special night, and he is grateful for all of the gifts that Santa has brought.

FAQs from “Twas the night before “

When does the poem take place.

The poem takes place on Christmas Eve .

Who is the speaker in the poem?

The speaker is a father who is preparing for bed with his family on Christmas Eve.

Who is Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is a jolly old elf who delivers presents to good little boys and girls on Christmas Eve.

How does Santa Claus travel?

Santa Claus travels in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer.

What does Santa Claus do when he arrives at the speaker’s house?

Santa Claus climbs down the chimney and delivers presents to all of the good little boys and girls in the house.

How does Santa Claus know who has been naughty or nice?

Santa Claus has a list of all the good little boys and girls in the world. He also has a list of all the naughty children, but he doesn’t always bring them presents.

How many reindeer does Santa Claus have?

Santa Claus has eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.

Where does Santa Claus live?

Santa Claus lives at the North Pole with his wife, Mrs. Claus, and his elves.

Why does Santa Claus deliver presents on Christmas Eve?

Santa Claus delivers presents on Christmas Eve because it is the night before Christmas Day. Christmas Day is a special day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

What is the meaning of the poem?

The poem is about the magic of Christmas and the importance of family and friends. It is also a reminder of the spirit of giving.

Other Free Summaries:

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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, Donner 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!”

Summary of A Visit from St. Nicholas

• Popularity: A Visit from St. Nicholas was written by Clement Clarke Moore, a famous American poet. It was first published in 1823 in The New York Newspaper, Sentinel with the title “A Visit from St. Nicholas” Later it became popular with its first line, “Twas the night before Christmas.” This poem is one of the most appreciated poems because of its religious significance presented through poetry. The poem illustrates the excitement of a family at the arrival of St. Nicholas. Its popularity lies with the subject of Christmas celebrated every year across the globe.
• “A Visit from St. Nicholas” as a Representative of Joy: This poem is about children, and written from the perspective of a young child who was waiting for St. Nicholas on the Christmas Eve. Every year, St. Nicholas comes with a lot of gifts and candies. As the child hears him, he carefully examines his arrival, manner, and The expression of wonder starts from the beginning and runs throughout the poem. However, what stays in the minds of the readers is the magical appearance of St. Nicholas and the endless joy of the family he visits.
• Major Themes “A Visit from St. Nicholas”: Joy, happiness, and surprise are the significant themes described in the poem. The poet has presented the enthusiasm of a family on Christmas The night is quiet and dark, and the family is happy with their eyes fixed on the stockings, which are soon going to be filled with presents. Meanwhile, they witness the magical appearance of St. Nicholas.  To their surprise, he comes and fills their stockings and then disappears. Thus, the arrival of St. Nicholas not only delights them but also adds color to their Christmas.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “A Visit from St. Nicholas”

literary devices are used to bring richness and clarity to the texts. The writers and poets use them to make their poem or prose texts appealing and meaningful. Moore. Too, has used some literary devices in this poem to show the magical arrival of St. Nicholas. The analysis of some of the literary devices used in this poem has been given below.

• Alliteration : Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line such as the sound of /w/ in “When what to my wondering eyes did appear” and /c/ sound in “On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen”.
• Simile : Simile is a figure of speech used to compare an object with something else to make the meanings more vivid to the readers. Clement had used similes in the poem such as, “He had a broad face and a little round belly; That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.” He compares the belly of St. Nicholas with a bowl of jelly. Other examples are, “Away to the window I flew like a flash” “And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath” and “And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.”
• Metaphor : Metaphor means when a word or a phrase used to describe an object or an action which is not entirely true but can help the readers to compare and have a vivid idea of an object, action or a person. At the end of the poem, Nicholas is compared to an old elf “He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf”.
• Assonance : Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line such as the sound of /l/ in “With a little old driver so lively and quick” and /o/ sound in “On, Comet ! on, Cupid ! on, Donner and ”
• Personification : Personification is to attribute human characteristics to inanimate things. The poet has used personification in the sixth line “While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads” as if the sugar-plums are humans that can dance.
• Imagery : Imagery is the use of words and descriptions to let the readers feel and see things through five senses. Clement has used images to present the clear and vivid picture of Christmas celebrations such as, “The children were nestled all snug in their beds”; “The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth” and “And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.”
• Consonance : Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line such as the sound of /sh/ in “Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” and /l/ sound in “That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.”

The literary analysis shows that Clement has beautifully employed the above devices to show the excitement of the family on Christmas Eve.

Analysis of Poetic Devices in A Visit from St. Nicholas

Poetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Here is the analysis of some of the poetic devices used in this poem.

• Couplet : There are two constructive lines of verse in a couplet , usually in the same meter and joined by rhyme . There are twenty-eight rhyming couplets of anapaestic tetrameter in this poem.
• Rhyme Scheme : The whole poem follows the AABB rhyme scheme throughout the poem.
• Anapaest Tetrameter: It is a meter in which there are four anapaestic metrical feet per line. Each foot has two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. The whole poem follows the anapaestic tetrameter such as, “ Twas the night before Christ mas and all through the house .”

Quotes to be used

These lines can be used in a speech when discussing the mesmerizing beauty of the moon. These could also be used when narrating any personal experience of sighting the moonbeams in a snowy winter night.

“The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below.”

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A Visit from St. Nicholas

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'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 the 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 the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it 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 dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the house-top 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 of 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 bowlful 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."

This poem is in the public domain.

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Twas The Night Before Christmas

“A Visit from St. Nicholas”

Original Poem By Clement C. Moore

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’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 the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it 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 dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the house-top 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 of 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 bowlful 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!”

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was first published in 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper with the name, “Account of a Visit From St. Nicholas.” It was subsequently republished numerous times, often with slight modernizing alterations to the original text. The version presented here is adapted from a 1912 publication of the poem, with some minor changes to make the language accessible for today’s readers.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

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A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)

By clement clarke moore.

• Year Published: 1823
• Language: English
• Country of Origin: United States of America
• Source: Troy: Troy Sentinel, 1823
• Flesch–Kincaid Level: 1.7
• Word Count: 548
• Genre: Poetry
• Keywords: christmas, holidays, santa, traditions
• ✎ Cite This
• Passage PDF

Moore, C. (1823). A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas). A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) (Lit2Go Edition). Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/234/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-twas-the-night-before-christmas/5903/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-twas-the-night-before-christmas/

Moore, Clement Clarke. "A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)." A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) . Lit2Go Edition. 1823. Web. https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/234/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-twas-the-night-before-christmas/5903/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-twas-the-night-before-christmas/ >. April 22, 2024.

Clement Clarke Moore, "A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)," A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) , Lit2Go Edition, (1823), accessed April 22, 2024, https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/234/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-twas-the-night-before-christmas/5903/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-twas-the-night-before-christmas/ .

‘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 down for a long winter’s nap,

“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 dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top 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 hand, 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 peddler 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 of 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 bowlful 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.”

A Visit from St. Nicholas

A Visit from St. Nicholas has become one of the most recognizable pieces of English poetry. Originally published anonymously in 1823, it was claimed by Clement Clark Moore in 1837 and its authorship has been a controversy ever since.

Discussion questions and resources for teachers are located at the bottom.

A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS

(the night before christmas), by clement clark moore, questions for discussion.

• This poem has a very specific rhyming scheme. What is it?
• The lyricism of this poem makes it a particularly pleasant auditory experience, which, in part, led to its popularity. What advantages did the poet gain by making this poem such an auditory experience?
• Did you notice that one of the reindeer was named Dunder in this original version. Later versions have this reindeer named Donner. Why do you think this evolution took place and how do you feel about the more popular version being changed from the original?
• What did you notice about the number of syllables in each line?
• This poem is often parodied. Craft a version of this poem that honors its rhyme scheme and number of syllables which explores a topic not Christmas related.
• Write a five paragraph essay that explores why this poem resonated so easily with its early target audience and persists to this day.
• Make a graphic representation of this poem by drawing each couplet in its own panel.

rhyme scheme

A Visit From St. Nicholas

Illustrated with late-nineteenth-century magic-lantern slides Together with a brief inquiry into a Christmas mystery

December 1974

Asked to expatiate briefly on the controversy over whether “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was authored by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) or by Henry Livingston, Jr. (1748-1828), our associate editor and resident poet Richard F. Snow (1947— ) had an anapestic seizure and produced the following:

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Discovering the truth about Santa Claus

Visit from St. ???

by Joy Rogers, Dean, St. James Episcopal Cathedral, Chicago

This excellent simple chancel drama brings together John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas, whose feast day usually falls close to the Second Sunday of Advent; both saints "prepare the way of the LORD."

Second Sunday of Advent

Narrator St. Nicholas John the Baptist Reader 1 Reader 2 Three Girls Boy Two Boys Stranger

Narrator: . . . as it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah,

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

St. Nicholas and John the Baptist enter from opposite sides of the front of the church. They bump into each other at the center aisle.

St. Nicholas: "Repent and be baptized for the Kingdom of God has come near."

John: Wait just a minute. That's my line. It's the second Sunday of Advent. I always make my entrance here. It's my big scene.

Reader 1: Who are you?

John: Where have you been? It's Advent, and I sure don't look like the angel Gabriel, do I? Check it out. Camel hair duds, leather belt. "I baptize you with water, etc, etc. (He sprinkles water.)

Reader 2: It might be Advent in the wilderness of Judea, but in the shopping malls of America people are getting ready for Christmas, and you sure don't look like Santa Claus either.

John: That's the problem, exactly! You make yourselves frantic about getting ready for Christmas. I'm here to get you ready for God. Look at the mess the world is in. You need help. So the Church sends me in. John the Baptist, at God's service. I have to yell a bit to get folk's attention. It's harder now. Those shopping malls are noisier than any wilderness. I'm the one who calls a halt to the Christmas crazies. I'm the one who's supposed to make you see the reason for the season.

"I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Ready or not, God's coming. Prepare the way of the Lord. So who is this old guy in the funny hat?

St. Nicholas: I'm Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. That's in Turkey now.

John: I don't care for turkey myself; I prefer locusts and wild honey.

St. Nicholas: I don't eat Turkey. I lived there. About 300 years after you did your preaching and baptizing in the Jordan River. Some things had changed; but the world was still pretty much in a mess.

John: That's too bad, but why are you stealing my scene?

St. Nicholas: It's time for my big day too—December 6. In many countries all over the world people are getting ready to celebrate St. Nicholas Day.

Reader 1: Is it your birthday?

St. Nicholas: Not exactly. Not the day I was born; but the day I died; and so the day I was born into glory, into eternal life.

John: Did someone cut off your head?

St. Nicholas: No. I had some great adventures; I knew first hand about suffering and imprisonment and persecution; but I lived a long life and died an old man, despite rumors to the contrary.

John: Then what makes you a Saint? You didn't even get in the Bible.

Reader 2: You don't have to be in the Bible to be a Saint. St. Nicholas did lots of good things for people. His parents were rich, but he gave away his inheritance. He did miracles that helped people.

John: Like what?

Three girls together: Remember us, Bishop Nicholas?

Our family was very poor. Our father had no money for our dowries; so we could not find husbands. We were ready to go out on the streets, and become slaves or prostitutes. You came by our house in the dark of night, and you left a bag of gold for each of us.

Girl 1: I found a wonderful husband.

Girl 2: I used mine to get a good education.

Girl 3: I started my own business.

Reader 1: Three golden balls became a sign of financial aid in time of need. Our friend became the patron saint of pawnbrokers.

Boy: Remember me, Bishop Nicholas?

I was a sailor on the ship you took to Jerusalem. A great storm came up; we thought we were lost in the wind and waves. You calmed the seas and saved us all.

Reader 2: St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and seafarers. Maybe a saint for all who find themselves threatened in the storms of life.

Two boys: Remember us, Bishop Nicholas?

We were kidnapped and murdered by a wicked butcher. He stuffed our bodies into a barrel of brine. You found us his basement, and you raised us back to life.

Reader 1: St. Nicholas has always been a saint for children in a pickle.

Reader 2: St. Nicholas is the patron saint of all children. He is the giver of gifts, the worker of wonders, a lover of souls.

St. Nicholas: Stories, stories, my children.

Stories and legends and fanciful tales; to lighten human hearts, and chase away the darkness that frightens the human spirit. Neither falsehood nor facts. But something more. Something better. These lovely stories hold much more than the truth of Nicholas. They say something about the truth of God.

St. John, my friend and brother. We need each other. Your mission is to help people get ready for God. My mission is to show people how God is ready for us. We prepare for One who has already come among us.

If I found a ministry among children and for the poor, it is because I serve a Lord who came to us as a child, born in poverty.

If I had any truth to share with frightened sailors, any prayer that calmed a stormy sea, it was the gift of the Lord who saves us all, by his love and care, and by the Spirit of God.

If I was ever an instrument of healing and life for the wounded and dying and persecuted and abused, then I am only a servant of the Lord and King who reigned on a Cross, and died to free us from sin and death.

I come with gifts in the darkness to remind us that darkness does not stop the light of Christ. I give gifts that bring people new lives to remind us that God gives us new life, eternal life, God's life.

John: You don't look like Santa Claus, either.

St. Nicholas: A distant cousin, I should say.

I became a household word in Holland and Germany. On my feast day, I would come through the villages after the children were asleep and leave candies and coins and nuts in their shoes.

I wanted them to have a little taste of the wonderful gift that came into the world on Christmas. So all through Advent, they could savor the taste of love on their tongues and in their hearts, and delight at the thought of the gift that is God.

European settlers brought me across the sea to the New Land. Somewhere along the way, the American genius for advertising grafted a new identity onto the family tree. Santa Claus is a good hearted soul. Sometimes he forgets where he came from.

That's why the world needs us this season, John, both of us. We are messengers with the same Good News, and heralds of the same Advent of God.

A white robed stranger walks into the center

St John and St. Nicholas: Who are you?

Stranger: I am another Advent messenger. Call me Isaiah.

Prepare the way of the Lord. You used my line. That's okay. God's Advent promise is that there will come a day when the world is no longer a mess.

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

By Joy Rogers, Dean, St. James Episcopal Cathedral , Chicago, Illinois. Used by permission.

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Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus

Broadside published by the Troy Sentinel . The preface was written by the Sentinel ' s editor Orville L. Holley . Illustration was by Myron King from Troy, New York.

We know not to whom we are indebted for the following description of that unwearied patron of children—that homely and delightful personage of parental kindness— Santa Claus , his costume and his equipage, as he goes about visiting the firesides of this happy land, laden with Christmas bounties; but from whomsoever it may have come, we give thanks for it.—There is, to our apprehension, a spirit of cordial goodness in it, a playfulness of fancy, and a benevolent alacrity to enter into the feelings and promote the simple pleasures of children, which are altogether charming. We hope our little patrons, both lads and lasses, will accept it as proof of our unfeigned good-will towards them—as a token of our warmest wish that they may have many a merry Christmas; that they may long retain their beautiful relish for those unbought homebred joys, which derive their flavor from filial piety and fraternal love, and which they may be assured are the least alloyed that time can furnish them; and that they may never part with that simplicity of character, which is their own fairest ornament, and for the sake of which they have been pronounced, by Authority which none can gain-say, the types of such as shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.— Troy Sent'l .

ACCOUNT OF A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS, OR SANTA CLAUS.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' 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 the 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 the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a minature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it 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! now, Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Dunder and Blixem! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away, all!" As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the house-top 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 was flung on his back, And he look'd like a pedlar 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 of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held just 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 bowlfull 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 fill'd 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. "

N. Tuttle , Printer—Office of the Daily Troy Sentinel—225 River-street.

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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