Poem History
Who wrote the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas?
Clement C. Moore is the author.
What danced in the children's heads?
Visions of sugar plums.
What does nestled (children were nestled all snug in their beds) mean?
It means settled or snuggled comfortably
What does sash (tore open the shutters and threw up the sash) mean?
It means the wood around windows panes.
What was the original title of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas?
It was called A visit from St. Nicholas.
Why did he spring from his bed?
To see what was the matter when he heard a clatter.
What does prancing (the prancing and pawing of each little hoof) mean?
It means moving with high, lively steps.
What does kerchief (mama in her 'kerchief and I in my cap) mean?
It means a square of cloth used as a head covering.
Why did Clement C. Moore write the poem?
He wrote it for his nine children.
What happened to St. Nicholas' belly when he laughed?
It shook like a bowl full of jelly.
What does bound (Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound) mean?
It means move forward quickly.
What does soot (his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot) mean?
It means tiny, black powder from fire or smoke.
When was the poem originally published?
It was in a newspaper in 1823.
What did St. Nicholas say as he drove out of sight?
Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!
What does stirring (not even a creature was stirring) mean?
It means moving.
What does peddler (he looked like a peddler just opening his pack) mean?
It means someone who travels from town to town selling small goods.