Thursday, December 23, 2010

Tis the night before Christmas... almost!!!



I am a little early but I want UK daughter to see this before she leaves!!!




For Katie,  Lucas,  Lisa,

Because I am not with you tonight to read it
may it bring back memories of Christmas Eve's past


and for all those
wonderful people
 I have met over the past 12 months
 I share this Christmas tradition




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 St Nicholas soon would be there.





The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.





When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the 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.





The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.




With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.





And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.




His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.






The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!





He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.





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!



           all paintings here by: Miss Jessie Willcox Smith 


He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
 But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all,

 and to all  a
good-night!"



10 comments:

  1. You've made me feel very emotional, what a wonderful post for your children! I hope you have a lovely Christmas Julienne, I look forward to catching up with you in the New Year..Love Rachaelxx

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  2. Thank you Mama!! I can just hear you reading it out loud... and now feeling very homesick... xxxxx

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  3. Merry Christmas Julienne. You've been that extra present under my tree for sure.

    xo Jane

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  4. Oh I love Jesse Wilcox Smith's art...fond memories of antiquing with my husband, childhood memories and the like.....THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR VISIT THIS MORNING! And I love your idea of a wreath....no beginning, no end...what beauty in that reflection!

    Happy Christmas to you and your family dear Julie and may 2011 bring you much joy in your home life as well in Blogland!

    Anita

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  5. That was lovely - I'll be reading it to our wee grandsons tomorrow evening.
    Merry Christmas to you! I've enjoyed visiting your posts - so glad I found you!

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  6. Was I suppose to get teary eyed because I am. I'm missing my children horribly. The illustrations look exactly as I remember of the book my mother had as a child. Thank you for posting this for us all Julienne. Wishing you and your dear family a joyous Christmas together. They are such tremendous memories.

    God bless,
    Deb

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  7. So lovely to read this on Christmas Eve Julienne. It's been great getting to know you. Best Wishes - ;)Sharyne

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  8. Oh so lovely. I always read this for Darling Daughter - feeling very emotional. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas... XX

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  9. I love the old illustrations! Thanks for posting this, Julienne!

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  10. I am late reading this...(or perhaps early for next year!) but I enjoyed your illustrations very much.

    It's so hard when our loved ones aren't close by.

    I hope 2011 is a year when you can all be together more...and one filled with joy, promise, and sunshine!

    Happy New Year!

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I get such a kick out of your comments so please leave one. Its like finding that extra present under the Christmas tree!

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