A Visitor

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" was penned by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822, and of course the true title of the poem is "A Visit from St. Nicholas". It was published, for the first time, a year later and lots of things changed. Up until this time St. Nicholas was the patron saint of children and was in no way associated with being a 'plump, a right jolly old elf', being a pipe smoker, having a sleigh or even reindeer. With four little ones  nestled around her, Mom read the tale to us each evening of the 24th. After the poem, carols with Mom at the piano and some fresh homemade eggnog, it was up the stairs and off to bed. Santa never came till all good little boys and girls are fast asleep, she told us. Like all good traditions, the poem will be read tonight in our home, along with "The Polar Express" and maybe a few pages of A Christmas Carol. 

"The stockings were hung..."

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night."