'Twas the Night Before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore
Clement Clarke Moore wrote this poem in 1822 and it is still one of the most popular Christmas poems today. This poem is completely timeless and still fills people with the holiday spirit. He wrote it for his own children and I think it is truly amazing that it is still read to children to this day. I believe it has stayed popular for a few reasons. First, the literary devices make the poem very appealing to hear. The use of rhyme makes the poem fun and childish, which children love. Also, Moore uses clear and festive imagery. How he describes the atmosphere of a house on Christmas Eve and his description of St. Nick is wonderful. It almost seems real to adults, so it definitely seems real to children. Moore also puts alliteration to good use. Alliteration also makes the poem flow and makes it appealing to listen to. Another reason I believe this poem is timeless is because it is referenced so much in popular culture. References range from comics to movies to songs. In the comic strip, Garfield, the poem is referenced around Christmas time. There is also a movie called "'Twas The Night Before Christmas". The famous Muppets recite the famous poem. In the Christmas classic, "The Grinch", the beginning of the poem is recited as the grinch sneaks in the houses to steal the presents, trees, and decorations. Another movie that keeps this poem alive is Tim Burton's, "The Nightmare Before Christmas". Jack the Pumpkin King wants to mix things up and try out a different holiday other than Halloween. He and his nightmarish friends make their own Christmas presents to deliver, and as he travels in his ghoulish sleigh he recites the end of the poem “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”. Another example is in the movie "The Santa Clause" with Tim Allen. When he becomes Santa and gets into character, he recites the "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!" part of the poem. These are just a few examples of countless references to this extraordinary poem. Another reason I believe this poem is still to this day one of the most loved and well known poems is because it is full of Christmas spirit and joy. If hearing this poem doesn't make you jolly and feel Christmas, you have no soul. I feel confident in saying that we all know how it felt to be waiting for Santa in a quiet yet excited house. Also, I don't know about you but, Moore's vivid description of St.Nick is exactly the image of Santa in my mind. This poem takes me back to being a kid and the feeling of wonder and happiness during Christmas. This poem remains popular because it is relatable and just happy. Moore did a splendid job at capturing the spirit of Christmas with his words. I believe this poem will continue to be a Christmas classic and will always warm people's hearts. Christmas is a time of happiness and this poem encompasses that holiday happiness. I bet Moore had no idea how long of an effect his poem for his children would have on the world. I am glad that this poem has become a classic. Even the fact that he wrote it for his kids is full of Christmas spirit. So pretty much, I love this poem. I think it is the greatest Christmas poem ever written and it deserves to be a classic. Merry Christmas Mrs. Healey and anyone else who reads this blog! Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
