Who actually wrote the poem?

Clement Clarke Moore claimed authorship in 1837, saying he wrote it for his children in 1822. However, some historians argue Henry Livingston Jr. may have written it earlier. The true authorship remains debated, though Moore is traditionally credited.

What reindeer did it name?

The poem named eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, and Blixem. The last two were later changed to Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph was not added until 1939. These original eight came entirely from this poem.

How did it create modern Santa?

The poem described Santa as a jolly, round bellied elf with rosy cheeks and a white beard who laughed merrily. Before this, no standard Santa image existed. The description became the foundation for all later depictions, including illustrations and Coca Cola advertisements.

Why is it read on Christmas Eve?

The poem describes Christmas Eve night when Santa visits sleeping children. Its December 23 publication made it perfectly timed for Christmas Eve reading. Families began reading it aloud as the final activity before bed, a tradition continuing today worldwide.

How long is the whole poem?

The complete poem contains 56 lines written in anapestic tetrameter. The bouncing rhythm mimics galloping reindeer and makes it fun to read aloud. Most readings take about three to four minutes, perfect for bedtime on Christmas Eve.

Is the poem still popular today?

Yes, the poem remains enormously popular over 200 years later. Millions of families read it every Christmas Eve. It has been translated into over 25 languages and published in countless illustrated editions. It receives millions of Google searches annually during December.

What traditions did it establish?

The poem established hanging stockings by the chimney, Santa arriving on Christmas Eve night, children sleeping when he visits, and Santa coming down chimneys. These traditions became standard practice in households worldwide. The poem created the entire Christmas Eve routine families follow today.

December 23, 1823: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Published

The poem that shaped modern Christmas traditions

On December 23, 1823, the poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' was first published, creating the modern image of Santa Claus.

Key Facts

Publication Date

December 23, 1823

Original Title

A Visit from St. Nicholas

Published In

Troy Sentinel newspaper, New York

Author

Clement Clarke Moore (attributed)

Number of Lines

56 lines

Poem Structure

Anapestic tetrameter

First Words

Twas the night before Christmas

Reindeer Named

Eight reindeer with names

Published Anonymously

Author not credited until 1837

Cultural Impact

Defined modern Santa Claus image

Translation Status

Translated into dozens of languages

Annual Readings

Read by millions every Christmas Eve

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
First Publication	December 23, 1823
Newspaper	Troy Sentinel, New York
Poem Length	56 lines total
Author Revealed	1837 (14 years after publication)
Reindeer Introduced	Eight reindeer with individual names
Languages Translated	Over 25 languages worldwide
Years Since Publication	Over 200 years of tradition
Annual Google Searches	Millions during December
Public Domain	Since publication, widely reproduced

About December 23, 1823: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Published

On December 23, 1823, a newspaper in Troy, New York published a poem that would forever change Christmas celebrations. The Troy Sentinel printed 'A Visit from St.

The Mysterious Publication

The poem appeared in the Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1823, submitted anonymously. For 14 years, nobody publicly claimed authorship. In 1837, Clement Clarke Moore acknowledged writing the poem for his children on Christmas Eve 1822.

Creating the Modern Santa Claus

Most importantly, he was cheerful and laughing. Coca Cola advertisements in the 1930s cemented the red suited, white bearded figure. But the foundation came from this 1823 poem.

The Eight Named Reindeer

The poem introduced eight reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh, each with a distinct name. Before 1823, no reindeer were associated with Santa Claus or Christmas gift giving. The eight reindeer remained standard until 1939, when Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was added through a department store promotion.

Christmas Eve Traditions Established

It described specific events that became traditional expectations. Parents hung stockings on December 23 or early December 24. Reading it aloud became the final activity before bed on December 24.

Literary Qualities and Lasting Appeal

The poem succeeds as literature beyond its cultural impact. It uses anapestic tetrameter, a bouncing rhythm that mimics galloping reindeer. Modern families read the same words their great great grandparents read on December 23, 1823.

Global Influence and Modern Legacy

From a single newspaper publication on December 23, 1823, the poem spread worldwide. It has been translated into over 25 languages. The economic and cultural impact of 56 lines published anonymously in 1823 is immeasurable.

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Did You Know?

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The poem was published anonymously on December 23, 1823 and the author was not revealed for 14 years

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It introduced the eight named reindeer that became famous worldwide before Rudolph was added in 1939

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The poem created the image of Santa as jolly and round bellied rather than thin and stern

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Families began reading it aloud on Christmas Eve 1823, a tradition continuing for over 200 years

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The bouncing rhythm mimics galloping reindeer and makes the poem memorable for children

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It has been translated into over 25 languages and remains one of the most recognized holiday poems

Frequently Asked Questions

The poem was first published on December 23, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in Troy, New York. It was submitted anonymously and became an immediate sensation. Families across America copied and shared it within weeks of publication.