| Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house |
| Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. |
| All the stockings were hung by the chimney with care |
| In the hope that Saint Niccholas soon would be there. |
| Then, what to my wondering eyes should appear, |
| A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, |
| A little old driver so lively and quick, |
| I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. |
| And more rapid than eagles his reindeer all came |
| As he shouted «On Dasher"and each reindeer’s name. |
| And so up to the housetop the reindeer soon flew |
| With the sleigh full of toys and Saint Nicholas, too. |
| Down the chimney he came with a leap and a bound; |
| He was dressed allin fur, and his belly was round. |
| He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, |
| And filled all the stocking, then turned with a jerk. |
| And laying his finger aside of his nose, |
| Then giving a nod up the chimney he rose. |
| But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, |
| «Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!» |