'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash
Oh, what a sight in the midnight glow
Reindeer prancing through the snow
Saint Nick with his sleigh in the starry sky
Bringing joy as he's flying by
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to objects below
When what to my wondering eyes did appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk
And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"