Composer

:

Henry Livingston Jr.

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

4:00

'Twas the Night Before Christmas' is a poem composed by Henry Livingston Jr. in 1823. The poem was first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel newspaper on December 23, 1823. It was later attributed to Livingston Jr. after his family discovered the original manuscript in 1899. The poem tells the story of a family on Christmas Eve who are awakened by the arrival of Santa Claus. The poem is composed of eight stanzas, each with a consistent rhyme scheme and meter. The poem has been set to music and adapted into various forms, including books, films, and television specials. The first movement of the poem sets the scene on Christmas Eve, with the narrator describing the quietness of the house and the anticipation of the children for Santa's arrival. The second movement introduces Santa Claus, describing his appearance and his method of delivering presents. The third movement describes the joy of the children as they wake up to find their presents. The poem's characteristics include its use of vivid imagery and its playful tone. The poem is filled with descriptions of Santa Claus and his reindeer, as well as the excitement of the children on Christmas morning. The poem also includes a number of playful rhymes and puns, such as "a clatter of hooves on the roof" and "a wink of his eye and a twist of his head." 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' has become a beloved Christmas tradition, with many families reading the poem aloud on Christmas Eve. The poem has also been adapted into numerous forms, including books, films, and television specials. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Christmas season and the joy it brings to people of all ages.

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