It was the night before Christmas. The stockings were hung by the chimney waiting to be filled. The children were snuggled in their beds. When out on the lawn there arose such a rattle, I sprang from the bed to see what the matter was. I saw a small sleigh, and eight tiny reindeers with a little old driver. I knew it must be Saint Nick. Down the chimney came Saint Nicholas with a bound. He was dressed all in fur. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back. His eyes twinkled! How merry his dimples! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. I laughed when I saw him. He spoke not a word, but filled all the stockings. Then, up the chimney he rose. And as he flew in his sleigh, I heard him exclaim, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a very good night!”
The Night before Christmas
