Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century

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Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century

by Clement Clarke Moore, Elena Almazova (Illustrator), Vitaly Shvarov (Illustrator)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 37,769 ratings · 706 reviews

Gold Medal Winner 2012 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Best Holiday Book. 1st place winner for the Global International Best Christian Children's Book. This colorful and bright edition was created for young readers in mind. Attracting global media attention, The BBC, The View, The Colbert Report, New York Post, Huffington Post and many others for what the Kirkus Review call...more

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published September 4th 2012 by Grafton and Scratch Publishers (first published January 1st 1869)

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Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

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Nov 16, 2011 K.D. Oliveros rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, christmas

At what age did you stop believing in Santa Claus? Last Christmas, I still had to buy something for my daughter and wrote “From: Santa Claus” on the gift tag because she still believed in him. She was 16.

This morning while I was about to drop her at the gate of her school, she again borrowed the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror of my car. The rosary was a gift from my friend who attended the World Youth’s Day in Brazil this year so I am proud of it and taking care of it. The beads are made...more At what age did you stop believing in Santa Claus? Last Christmas, I still had to buy something for my daughter and wrote “From: Santa Claus” on the gift tag because she still believed in him. She was 16.

This morning while I was about to drop her at the gate of her school, she again borrowed the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror of my car. The rosary was a gift from my friend who attended the World Youth’s Day in Brazil this year so I am proud of it and taking care of it. The beads are made of wood and each mystery has its own color. As my daughter was removing it from the mirror I told her that I will *hint, hint* … or maybe Santa Claus will… give her a rosary for Christmas so she will stop borrowing my rosary. She sweetly smiled as if in acceptance that a rosary would be a nice gift from Santa. She is now 17.

Do parents need to stop encouraging their young children to believe in Santa Claus? When the child grows up, are parents expected to correct this by saying something like, ”Now that you are a grownup, sorry if we fooled you but there is no Santa.”

Clement Moore, the author of this poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, was a reticent man and it is believed that a family friend, Miss H. Butler, sent a copy of the poem to the New York Sentinel who published the poem. The condition of publication was that the author of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas was to remain anonymous. During that time professors were highly respected people in the society and it was shameful for them to author any works for children. The poem was first published on 23rd December 1823 and it was an immediate success. The reason? It set the most appealing and now widely-accepted image of Santa Claus: with his toy-giving activity on Christmas Eve with his sleigh and pulled by the eight reindeers including their individual names. From then on, the tradition of reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas poem on Christmas Eve is now a worldwide institution and tradition. Moore said to have been inspired by a trader whom he saw doing retails one Christmas morning with goods on a sleigh and also, of course, the image of St. Nicholas.

So it was Moore who started this idea of children to believe in Santa Claus. Did he do us a favor? Or is it high time that we stop this crap altogether?

In my opinion, the sweet smile that my daughter gave this morning was an indication that she now knows that I have been her Santa Claus all these years. So, there is no need for me to tell her. She does not say that she knows. Neither do I need to apologize to her for fooling her. I think that she now equates the image of Santa Claus to something similar to that of a father’s love. My love for her. That Santa is an extension of that love that is somewhat special that it gets to manifest itself during Christmastime when the weather is cooler and people are merry and bright.
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Nov 26, 2011 Arlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, christmas, poetry, read-2011, verse, childrens

'Twas the Night before Christmas' is a beautiful holiday poem that was written by Dr. Clement C. Moore for his children as a Christmas present. It was reprinted many times over and wasn't what Moore thought would make him famous... but it did. It's been translated in many languages and continues to be recited to children all over the world.

Much to my chagrin, this is the first time I've read/heard this poem in its entirety, but I'll be sure to read it every holiday season moving forward. Beauti...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2008 Kathie Meyer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: All ages

Shelves: winter-reading

This is a very biased review since I know the illustrator personally and was a model for one of the elves that appear in the book. My very special kitty, Larry, is pictured in the Christmas stocking at the end too. In fact, Watson used all real people to model for Santa, the elves and the family in the story, and he set the book in Port Townsend, Wash. where he lives. The clocktower is our actual courthouse in town.

Having said all of that...I think this is one of the most wonderfully illustrated...more

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 12, 2012 Pamela Mccoll rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After smoking away for 189 years Santa gives up the pipe and is no longer depicted as having a wreath of smoke around his head - all a good thing in the era when we are doing so much to try and get our kids or grandkids not to start smoking. Twas The Night Before Christmas was written by Clement C. Moore in 1822 on a sleigh ride home from Greenwich Village with his nine children on Christmas Eve. It has gone on to become the most famous poem in the English language. That is now is offered in a s...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Anna Ligtenberg rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm now on a fifth edition of this poem and, to keep them straight, the ISBN of each edition is at the start of its review. The first review, of ISBN 0785313648 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Candy Cane Books) began with a sentence I'm going to copy and paste here: While there's no question that the original poem by Clement Moore is a five star piece of work, there are so many versions of this poem in print that any review has to be of the entire book, with more weight on the illustrations, t...more I'm now on a fifth edition of this poem and, to keep them straight, the ISBN of each edition is at the start of its review. The first review, of ISBN 0785313648 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Candy Cane Books) began with a sentence I'm going to copy and paste here: While there's no question that the original poem by Clement Moore is a five star piece of work, there are so many versions of this poem in print that any review has to be of the entire book, with more weight on the illustrations, the only difference between them. I suggest potential customers pay attention to which reviews apply to which book, as there's quite a difference in quality.

The classic poem, wherein the narrator hears noise on the lawn on Christmas Eve and, responding to it, sees Santa in his sleigh land on the roof, come down the chimney, etc. The narrator, the father of the family, watches Santa place gifts under the tree and, when done, hop in his sleigh and fly away.

ISBN 0307637506 - (5 stars) Illustrator Cyndy Szekeres and Golden Books measure up to the standard set by Moore. Szekeres's family is one of mice, which always makes for some fun illustrations. The "wreath" on the family's door is one leaf and one holly berry; the parents' bed is a sardine can; Santa sits on a single die to review his list and the endtable is a thread spool while a large family photo has a locket for a frame. These little touches of whimsy are fun and cute. All ages love the poem, children in particular will love the mice and their adorable adapted furnishings.

ISBN 0785313648 - (3 stars) The cover illustration, by Linda Graves, is the best of the lot here. The illustrations inside the book, by Susan Spellman, are average and some are even a bit clumsy. You should certainly have a copy of Moore's poem on hand - there's no childhood complete without it! - but this is not the most worthwhile version out there.

ISBN 158845374x - (4 stars) - Part of the Santa's Little Library of Christmas Stories series. This is a very small book, and the story is quite abridged. At 2 x 2 inches, it's great for small hands and fingers and is a wonderful introduction to the longer poem. The illustrations are very cute - the enormous open mouths accompanying "I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter." cracked me up!

ISBN 0307119564 - (3 stars) Illustrators Greg and Tim Hildebrandt did an okay job, just nothing special. The Santa on the cover looks a little bug-eyed, which makes him seem to be leering... which, in turn, makes it an unattractive cover. The inside illustrations are on the old-fashioned side, and they complement the poem well. The detail is nice and the decorated tree is one of the best images - although the decorations on the tree change from page to page. Not bad, just not the best.

ISBN 1556702744 - (5 stars) Joyce Patti's illustrations, paired with the unique 3D shadow box pages set this edition apart. The book is small, about 5" x 5" and just over 1/2" thick, which makes it a good take along book, but the delicate-ness of the shadow boxes makes it a poor choice for a child to handle much. As each page is opened, the shadow box will pop up and display a beautiful, multi-layered image. The images are small but remarkably detailed. The trick, by the way, is to make sure you're holding the page edges down with your right thumb, or the effect is lost. A nice presentation of a classic.

- AnnaLovesBooks(less)

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Jan 15, 2013 Anna Ligtenberg rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm now on a fifth edition of this poem and, to keep them straight, the ISBN of each edition is at the start of its review. The first review, of ISBN 0785313648 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Candy Cane Books) began with a sentence I'm going to copy and paste here: While there's no question that the original poem by Clement Moore is a five star piece of work, there are so many versions of this poem in print that any review has to be of the entire book, with more weight on the illustrations, t...more I'm now on a fifth edition of this poem and, to keep them straight, the ISBN of each edition is at the start of its review. The first review, of ISBN 0785313648 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Candy Cane Books) began with a sentence I'm going to copy and paste here: While there's no question that the original poem by Clement Moore is a five star piece of work, there are so many versions of this poem in print that any review has to be of the entire book, with more weight on the illustrations, the only difference between them. I suggest potential customers pay attention to which reviews apply to which book, as there's quite a difference in quality.

The classic poem, wherein the narrator hears noise on the lawn on Christmas Eve and, responding to it, sees Santa in his sleigh land on the roof, come down the chimney, etc. The narrator, the father of the family, watches Santa place gifts under the tree and, when done, hop in his sleigh and fly away.

ISBN 0785313648 - (3 stars) The cover illustration, by Linda Graves, is the best of the lot here. The illustrations inside the book, by Susan Spellman, are average and some are even a bit clumsy. You should certainly have a copy of Moore's poem on hand - there's no childhood complete without it! - but this is not the most worthwhile version out there.

ISBN 158845374x - (4 stars) - Part of the Santa's Little Library of Christmas Stories series. This is a very small book, and the story is quite abridged. At 2 x 2 inches, it's great for small hands and fingers and is a wonderful introduction to the longer poem. The illustrations are very cute - the enormous open mouths accompanying "I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter." cracked me up!

ISBN 0307637506 - (5 stars) Illustrator Cyndy Szekeres and Golden Books measure up to the standard set by Moore. Szekeres's family is one of mice, which always makes for some fun illustrations. The "wreath" on the family's door is one leaf and one holly berry; the parents' bed is a sardine can; Santa sits on a single die to review his list and the endtable is a thread spool while a large family photo has a locket for a frame. These little touches of whimsy are fun and cute. All ages love the poem, children in particular will love the mice and their adorable adapted furnishings.

ISBN 0307119564 - (3 stars) Illustrators Greg and Tim Hildebrandt did an okay job, just nothing special. The Santa on the cover looks a little bug-eyed, which makes him seem to be leering... which, in turn, makes it an unattractive cover. The inside illustrations are on the old-fashioned side, and they complement the poem well. The detail is nice and the decorated tree is one of the best images - although the decorations on the tree change from page to page. Not bad, just not the best.

ISBN 1556702744 - (5 stars) Joyce Patti's illustrations, paired with the unique 3D shadow box pages set this edition apart. The book is small, about 5" x 5" and just over 1/2" thick, which makes it a good take along book, but the delicate-ness of the shadow boxes makes it a poor choice for a child to handle much. As each page is opened, the shadow box will pop up and display a beautiful, multi-layered image. The images are small but remarkably detailed. The trick, by the way, is to make sure you're holding the page edges down with your right thumb, or the effect is lost. A nice presentation of a classic.

- AnnaLovesBooks(less)

like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Mae rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-lit-642

Summary: This classic narrative poem tells the story of one man's encounter with the mythical "Santa". He watches the rituals that Santa performs while leaving gifts for the children.

Critique: One of the reasons this remains an enduring classic is the sing-song 11 beat rhythm and aa/bb rhyme scheme. Not to mention the theme of joyful magnanimity.

Example: As he sets the scene of a sleeping household, he rhymes 'beds' and 'heads' and 'cap' and nap'. Continuing with the single beat rhyme to the end...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Lacey Luce added it · review of another edition

The Night Before Christmas
By Clement Moore
Moore , C. (1998). The night before christmas. New York: Putnam Juvenile.

1. Poetry

2. This is the classic poem of T’was the Night before Christmas. Ol St Nick comes for a visit to bring boys and girls lots of presents. This is the classic household known poem that will touch hearts for years to come.

3. Illustrations

b. Illustrations are simplistically drawn. They complement the story while at the same time do not take away from the story. The pictures ar...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Prashant rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book

This is a beautiful Christmas poem written by Clement Clarke Moore. I heard this on an audio book from gutenberg project and then also read the text from an e-book. The audiobook was in a sweet voice of a kid stopping and stumbling over some of the complex words.

Brought up in a Hindu house and an environment where many religions live and thrive together, for me Christmas has always been when some people in my neighborhood sang songs in the night and then around midnight a fat guy dressed in all...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Matt Guendel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a good book that brought back memories as a child. I read this book to my nephew Cade. I chose this story because the holidays around the corner and I wanted to get him excited about Christmas. The night before christmas stories are all the same, but this one was cool because every time you turn a page holiday music plays. Cade loved that part about the book, but I honestly found it annoying. Luckily there is a stop button in the bottom right corner of the book. The part of this story I...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Ryun rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Descriptions of human sacrifice and the power of blood magic are commonplace throughout history, but one — Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS — takes place on the eve of a holiday that most consider a time of joy, happiness and generosity. This makes a poem that would be unsettling in any circumstances an intense, dark and enduring tale of supernatural horror.

Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperately poor fami...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Alan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How many decades ago did I memorize this poem, "Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash...." Does any kid now hearing this know what a "sash" is, not to mention a chimney etc. "As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly...": now as we await the wet leaves--and yacht boating boots--of the Republicans at their national convention hall in Tampa, a full foot above sea level at least: has anyone ever seen DRY leaves flying before a hurricane?
Sounds like someone from NY who has never seen a...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Kelsey Wagner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This poem describes in wonderful detail the arrival of St. Nicholas on the night before Christmas. The children dream of sugarplums, but in the meantime, the dad hears a noise on the lawn made by St. Nick. He arrives at the house and leaves toys for the family. The dad observes him in the process, pointing out his rosy cheeks and cherry-like nose. This poem is all about the details, while that may be enjoyable for some people it may be harder to get children interested in a book that doesn’t tel...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, 2013, childrens, poetry

I had never read this before, I'm pretty sure - we certainly never had a copy in our house nor any pre-Christmas tradition of reading it, nothing like that. Probably my primary school had an old copy but I don't think I was too interested. So this was a new reading experience for me, one I approached without any memories or sense of nostalgia to guide me. I got it because it's such a classic, and I believe it's the origin of Santa's sleigh and reindeer (which are named), though don't quote me on...more

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Dec 24, 2010 Claire rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-books

My addition doesn't seem to be the same as this book seems to be listed. However, goodreads.com says it is and won't let me add an addition. Oh well. I have had my copy of this famous poem since I was very young. For me, this book brings back several memories and I still imagine Santa as looking like the illustration from this book.
As a child, all I saw was the illustration and since it is great, it was easy to remember. As an adult, I can appreciate the two page addition, written by Paul Harve...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Ronda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, seasonal, favorite-illustrators

I have read a version of this poem with my son every Christmas Eve since he was born, and when I found this version with the DVD narrated by Jim Dale with music from the Boston Pops Orchestra, I had to share this one with him as well. (We are both fans of Jim Dale, myself from his reading of the Harry Potter books and both of us for his narration of Pushing Daisies.). Jan Brett's attention to detail in her illustration does not disappoint, and I think it possible to spend hours looking for hidde...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Cora rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I was growing up, my Granny would read Twas the Night Before Christmas to me each evening before bed. It's one of my most cherished and favorite memories of the Christmases from my childhood. Not only was this new edition a wonderful reminder of those times, but the artwork was absolutely beautiful. And, while this book has been edited to be more friendly for today's children, I didn't feel that anything was lost from the story - it still gave me that feeling of awe that only the thoughts o...more

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Apr 03, 2008 Joyce McCombs rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I collect TNBC books (I have 101 so far!) but this version by Jan Brett is my new favorite. Brilliantly colored pictures sweep you immediately back to childhood... just one look at the Christmas tree page and even if it's July, you'll feel the holiday spirit, I promise!

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Dec 07, 2009 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-picture-books, christmas

Although she is a little "commercial" I still absolutely love Becky Kelly's art and she did not disappoint with these charming illustrations. Adorable to the max, especially with all the little creatures (mice!) and sweet toys that seem to come to life.

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Dec 05, 2012 Theta Sigma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Admittedly, putting a book that is a single poem could smack a little of fraud when it comes to a reading challenge, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity of reading this classic Christmas poem as I've never read it before.

Clements C. Moore provided a beautiful and fitting description of the magic of Christmas and of Santa himself... Even down to the "little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly."

I managed to get an illustrated version of this poem for free for the Ki...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mp-third-grade, christmas, tipton-county-library, 3rd-grade, favorites

This is amazing. When I saw this one the list of recommended reads for the Memoria Press Third Grade, I thought surely it is not necessary as I already have two other versions by other illustrations, more whimsical than this black and white. But then when I got it out at the library, boy did I discover a treasure. I will have to look for this one to buy. The first page has a little historical note about the original presentation of the Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas, now known to us as The...more

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Dec 25, 2011 Michael Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Definitely a good version of this! It was also a really good move using the actual Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires as a prototype for the house. Her conceptions of reindeer, toys, Christmas ornamentation, hats, children, snow, sky and fuzzy furries galore are tremendous.

If I have a criticism, it would be that she doesn't show Santa smoking his pipe and letting the father know he had nothing to dread, but instead she pans out to the roof to see the reindeer getting in trouble. This is interesting...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Jessalyn Collins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This fairy tale of the famous Santa Clause and flying reindeer is a perfect story for getting children in the holiday mood. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. When I was younger reading "The Night Before Christmas" was always a tradition in my family. When considering stories for students in a classroom, this fairy tale is often avoided due to the taboo topic of religion; however, I believe it is a great story from my childhood. There is a lot of fun literary elements such as rhyming...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Candace W. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: kid-lit-class

This book tells the classic story of The Night Before Christmas, but with special cut outs and a beautiful pop-up finale. I really liked this book, because it tells a story that children know and love with a beautiful addition to it. The illustrations are done in mostly black and white, and are very beautiful. Beyond that, the cut out sections in them allow one illustration to illustrate two sections of the story just by turning the page. Last but not least, the pop-up finale is very intricate a...more

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Dec 09, 2009 Jessie Mcelhoe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: poetry-books

Twas the night before Christmas
Moore's classic poem is brought to life by the illustrations. In fact that is what drew my attention to this particular version. Moore is able to paint a picture in your head as he describes Santa Clause and his actions by using similes such as “belly full of jelly”. Also the metaphors that are used to describe the scene for example “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”. The illustrations cover the pages and the text is placed through out. The illustratio...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas, picture-books

An edited version of the traditional Christmas poem that omits the stanza about Santa smoking. Does the poem read that much differently? No. Did children dwell on Santa's smoking habits in previous editions? Probably not. Will some parents prefer this version? Some, yes. All, no.

This edition won't make it to the top of my favorite Christmas books, and I'll probably always prefer the traditional verse, but what most bugged me about this book was the artwork. Santa looks weird. He's kinda skinny...more

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Nov 07, 2010 Jennifer Bracken rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: categories-of-picture-books

Engineered Books

This classic version of the story of the night before Christmas is turned into a pop-up book. I read this with my children each year on Christmas Eve and they love working the different pop-up elements. This book tells the story of the family going to bed and hearing St. Nicholas landing in the yard and coming into the house to deliver the presents.

This book could be read to your students on the last day of school before Christmas break. You just have to make sure that every stu...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Ashley Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books, childhood-favorites, reviews, picture-books

In honor of St. Nicks day! Originally titled "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"

Growing up my father would read this book to my sister and me every Christmas Eve. It’s the same copy my Grandfather would read my Dad and Aunt every Christmas.

It's a very old and cherished copy with the original "Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight" Both my sister and I always search for copies of this book with the proper last line, which is often times very difficult to find in newer editions of the book. I’...more

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Dec 24, 2010 Paige rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Childrens

Recommended to Paige by: 1st grade teacher

Shelves: childhood-favorites

Illustrations were awesome, but I didn't like that fact that it showed Santa Clause smoking on a pipe in a children's book.

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Dec 18, 2010 Amy or "Ames" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, male-authors, classics, read-in-2010, favourites

I try to read this every year as it never fails to return me to my 5-year-old self, filled with excitement over the great and powerful Santa's impending visit. The catchy rhythm and rhyme of this delightful poem is contagious. I used to repeat it often as a child until the first lines were branded into my brain:

''Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.'

It always leaves me with a warm and satisfied glow as I read the last words:...more

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About Clement Clarke Moore

Clement Clarke Moore, (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863), is best known as the credited author of A Visit From St. Nicholas (more commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas).

Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume Hebrew dict...more Clement Clarke Moore, (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863), is best known as the credited author of A Visit From St. Nicholas (more commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas).

Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume Hebrew dictionary. He was the only son of Benjamin Moore, a president of Columbia College and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and his wife Charity Clarke. Clement Clarke Moore was a graduate of Columbia College (1798), where he earned both his B.A. and his M.A.. He was made professor of Biblical learning in the General Theological Seminary in New York (1821), a post that he held until 1850. The ground on which the seminary now stands was his gift. [1] From 1840 to 1850, he was a board member of The New York Institution for the Blind at 34th Street and 9th Avenue (now The New York Institute for Special Education). He compiled a Hebrew and English Lexicon (1809), and published a collection of poems (1844). Upon his death in 1863 at his summer residence in Newport, Rhode Island, his funeral was held in Trinity Church, Newport, where he had owned a pew. Then his body was interred in the cemetery at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Hudson St., in New York City. On November 29, 1899, his body was reinterred in Trinity Churchyard Cemetery in New York.

The Moore house, Chelsea, at the time a country estate, gave its name to the surrounding neighborhood of Chelsea, Manhattan, and Moore's land in the area is noted today by Clement Clark Moore Park, located at 10th Avenue and 22nd Street. The playground there opened November 22, 1968, and it was named in memory of Clement Clarke Moore by local law during the following year. The 1995 renovations to Clement Clarke Moore Park included a new perimeter fence, modular play equipment, safety surfacing, pavements and transplanted trees. This park is a popular playground area for local residents, who gather there the last Sunday of Advent for a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. [2]

Much of the neighborhood was once the property of Maj. Thomas Clarke, Clement's maternal grandfather and a retired British veteran of the French and Indian War. Clarke named his house for a hospital in London that served war veterans. 'Chelsea' was later inherited by Thomas Clarke's daughter, Charity Clarke Moore, and ultimately by grandson Clement and his family. Clement Clarke Moore's wife, Catharine Elizabeth Taylor, was of English and Dutch descent being a direct descendant of the Van Cortlandt family, once the major landholders in the lower Hudson Valley of New York.

As a girl, Moore's mother, Charity Clarke, wrote letters to her English cousins that are preserved at Columbia University and show her disdain for the policies of the English Monarchy and her growing sense of patriotism in pre-revolutionary days.

The Moore children have several living descendants among them members of the Ogden family. In 1855, one of Clement's daughters, Mary C. Moore Ogden painted 'illuminations' to go with her father's celebrated verse. A book with her paintings as illustrations is A Visit from St. Nicholas (Twas the Night Before Christmas). Copyright 1995 by International Resourcing Services, Inc., 60 Revere Drive, Suite 725, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062.(less)

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Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century

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