Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, a magical atmosphere filled every room. The tree was lit up, the stockings were hung, and the children were nestled all snug in their beds. But before the big night, it's essential to get the kids excited and engaged in the holiday spirit. One way to do this is by sharing the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with them.
This poem, also known as "A Visit from St. Nicholas," has been a Christmas Eve tradition for many families around the world. Written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823, it's a beautiful and imaginative tale that describes the night before Christmas and the arrival of Santa Claus. The poem is a great way to spark kids' imagination and creativity, and its rhythmic and rhyming style makes it fun to read aloud.
To make the experience even more special, we've created a printable version of the poem, perfect for kids to follow along and read with you. You can print it out and create a special Christmas Eve tradition with your little ones.
Why Reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Kids is Important
Reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to kids is an excellent way to introduce them to the magic of Christmas and the joy of reading. Here are some reasons why this poem is essential for kids:
- Encourages a love for reading: Reading this poem to kids can foster a love for reading and literature from an early age.
- Develops imagination and creativity: The poem's vivid descriptions and imaginative scenarios can help kids develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Builds Christmas traditions: Reading this poem can become a special Christmas Eve tradition that your kids will cherish for years to come.
- Enhances language skills: The poem's rhythmic and rhyming style can help kids develop their language skills and phonological awareness.
How to Create a Special Christmas Eve Tradition with Your Kids
To make reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" a special Christmas Eve tradition with your kids, follow these tips:
- Create a cozy atmosphere: Make sure the room is warm and cozy, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background.
- Use a special reading voice: Use a fun and dramatic reading voice to bring the poem to life.
- Encourage participation: Encourage your kids to participate by repeating certain lines or phrases with you.
- Make it a ritual: Make reading the poem a ritual by doing it at the same time every year, such as right before bedtime on Christmas Eve.
Printable Twas the Night Before Christmas Poem for Kids
Here is a printable version of the poem, perfect for kids to follow along and read with you:
[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 in a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster 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, Donder 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 hand, 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 pedler 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;
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."
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You can print out this version and read it with your kids on Christmas Eve to create a special and memorable tradition.
Conclusion
Reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to kids is a great way to introduce them to the magic of Christmas and the joy of reading. By creating a special Christmas Eve tradition with your kids, you can make the holiday season even more memorable and enjoyable. Don't forget to print out the poem and read it with your kids on Christmas Eve to start a new tradition that will last for years to come.
Get Your Kids Excited for Christmas with These Fun Activities
To get your kids even more excited for Christmas, try these fun activities:
- Create a Christmas countdown: Create a countdown with your kids to mark off the days until Christmas.
- Make Christmas cookies: Bake Christmas cookies with your kids and decorate them with festive sprinkles and icing.
- Sing Christmas carols: Sing Christmas carols with your kids and create a fun and festive atmosphere.
Share Your Favorite Christmas Traditions with Us
We'd love to hear about your favorite Christmas traditions and how you celebrate the holiday season with your kids. Share your stories and tips with us in the comments below, and let's get into the holiday spirit together!
What is the best way to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to kids?
+The best way to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to kids is to create a cozy atmosphere, use a special reading voice, and encourage participation. You can also make it a ritual by doing it at the same time every year, such as right before bedtime on Christmas Eve.
How can I make reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" a special Christmas Eve tradition with my kids?
+You can make reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" a special Christmas Eve tradition with your kids by creating a cozy atmosphere, using a special reading voice, and encouraging participation. You can also make it a ritual by doing it at the same time every year, such as right before bedtime on Christmas Eve.
What are some fun activities I can do with my kids to get them excited for Christmas?
+Some fun activities you can do with your kids to get them excited for Christmas include creating a Christmas countdown, making Christmas cookies, and singing Christmas carols. You can also read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" together and create a special Christmas Eve tradition.