The Night Before Christmas

Before Christmas, 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 pants. While visions of sugarplums danced in their head. And Momma 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 platter I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. A way to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sack. Moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, gave the luster of midday to objects below. But to my wondering eyes should appear, for the

He miniatures sleigh and ate tiny reindeer with a little old driver so lively and quick. I knew in a moment it must be saintly. More rapid than eagles his coarser they came and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Dasher, now Dasher, now Franciser and Fixen. Horn coming, horn cumin, horn down their adventure 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 flies, when they meet an obstacle, mount to the sky, sew up to the house top the corsers they flew, with a slave full of toys and Saint Nicholas And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof the prancing and towing of each little book as I drew in my head and was turning around

Down the chimney, Saint Nicholas came with a bow He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot And his clothes were all tarnished, toys yet flung on his back. And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.