twas the night before christmas by clement clarke moore audio

And yet - I think I also like it because I know what is coming - the magic of Saint Nicholas - Santa - Father Christmas - or whatever name he goes by for you! I love the idea that someone or something out there in the moon lit sky is taking care of me and others whilst I lie asleep, snug as a bug! I love the sense of utter quiet and calm in this opening, it makes me want to be in such a moment - everything and everyone seem to be at peace. My favourite lines are still the first two - 'Twas the night before Christmas/ When all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse'.

So, after a week of thinking about the poem, trying to think of which actions or visual clues might help me to remember the poem, doing voice recordings of it into my phone to play back later, I have just about managed to recall the first 12 lines or so - just pulling up short before Santa goes on to name all of his reindeers! I wanted to memorise the whole poem for you all but think I slightly underestimated the challenge. This poem never fails to bring a sparkle back. I have read this poem countless times to fellow readers over the years, from babes in arms to older people who may not be able to read any more due to loss of sight or cognitive impairments. But I do make an exception with Twas the Night Before and it does make me smile. We are often asked for poems that make you smile at The Reader, and I'm afraid I'm not too good at meeting those requests - often finding comfort in literature that is brave enough to shine a light on the darker moments of our lives rather than seeking the tinsel and glitter. I've just bought my nephew a wonderful illustrated version of this timeless classic and I am hoping that he will have much fun with it over Christmas!

Twas the night before christmas by clement clarke moore audio