I woke up this morning and realized I had lost a day and that it was Friday! Poetry Friday!
Visit all the other posts at Buffy’s Blog, she’s hosting today.
One of my favorite things to do with students is to read the various versions of this classic poem. I love the discussions we have about the illustrations and the interpretations. And someone ALWAYS asks “Where is Rudolph?” Which is a fun story, too.
One of my favorite rendition’s of this poem is Rachel Isadora’s rendition of the story.
I love that it’s set in Africa and that Santa has dreadlocks. Her artwork is stunning and so detailed. It makes for lively conversation with students.
The poem was published on December 23, 1823.
A Visit from St. Nicholas
‘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!
Read the rest at The Poetry Foundation
Enjoy the season!
Happy Friday. Happy Poetry.
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