Holiday Picks: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

With snow in the forecast, temperatures dropping, and people digging out their mittens and hats, it's officially December!  Enjoy a holiday pick each day before Christmas.

Written by Clement C. Moore.  Illustrated by Kat Whelan.  Wilton, CT: Tiger Tales, 2010.

The night before Christmas, everyone is asleep in bed, the children and parents.  Hearing noises on the front lawn, the father looks out and sees Santa riding through the air on the sled led by reindeer.  Santa lands on the roof, shimmies down the chimney, and distributes gifts.  When his work is finished, he goes back up the chimney to his sleigh and off into the air to the next house exclaiming "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

This classic Christmas poem gets a boost by the illustrations.  Instead of people, mice are the characters in this story, even Santa!  Thick pages full of glittery touches add a special feel to this timeless story.  Children will enjoy exploring the pictures for the glittery snow and looking at all the details.  Will you be reading this poem to your family this Christmas?