The Night Before Christmas facts for kids

The Night Before Christmas usually refers to a very famous poem. This poem is often read aloud during the Christmas season. It is also the name of a classic cartoon episode.

What is "The Night Before Christmas"?

The most famous meaning of "The Night Before Christmas" is a poem. Its real title is A Visit from St. Nicholas. People often call it "The Night Before Christmas" because those words are in the very first line of the poem. This poem tells the story of a father who sees Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. It describes Santa's sleigh, his reindeer, and how he delivers presents.

Who Wrote the Famous Poem?

Most people believe that Clement Clarke Moore wrote A Visit from St. Nicholas. He was a professor and writer. He supposedly wrote the poem for his children in 1823. It was first published anonymously, meaning without an author's name, in a newspaper. Later, Moore claimed authorship.

However, some people think that another person, Henry Livingston Jr., actually wrote the poem. Livingston was a farmer and poet. There is a debate among historians about who the true author is. Despite this, Clement Clarke Moore is widely recognized as the author.

Why is the Poem Important?

This poem helped shape how many people imagine Santa Claus today. It describes Santa as a jolly, plump man with a long white beard. It also names his eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Before this poem, ideas about Santa were not as clear. The poem made him a beloved figure for children around the world.

"The Night Before Christmas" Cartoon

"The Night Before Christmas" is also the name of a cartoon episode. It is the third episode of the classic cartoon series Tom and Jerry. This episode first aired in 1941. In the cartoon, Tom the cat tries to stop Jerry the mouse from enjoying Christmas Eve. Jerry wants to get some cheese from under the Christmas tree. The episode shows their usual chase and tricks, but with a festive, snowy background. It is a popular Christmas special for many families.

Images for kids

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  Cover page for a series of illustrations for the "Night Before Christmas" produced as part of a PWA project in 1934 by Helmuth F. Thoms

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  Clement Clarke Moore, the author of A Visit from St. Nicholas

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  Some contend that Henry Livingston Jr., not Moore, was the author of the poem

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  The Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington, reads The Night Before Christmas to the Little Scholars, December 2010