‘Twas the night before Christmas
A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
‘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 down 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, 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;
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!
The Christmas rush is over and there’s now time to unwind with a book. Kristin Hannah’s latest novel is an atmospheric read for the winter, with a snowy Alaskan setting and a teenager whose tumultuous home life might just improve with the arrival of Matthew. Our non-fiction pick this week is from the presenter of the Happy Place podcast, Fearne Cotton. In Little Things, Fearne emphasises the value of the smaller joys; by practising gratitude and self-awareness, with the help of creative exercises, Fearne hopes to help us all cope better with whatever life throws at us.
New in fiction this week, Ryan Love’s heartwarming romance book steps inside a family where a grandfather and grandson are both coming out and navigating the excitement of love and community. And there’s a new Penguin Clothbound Classic to add to the collection – The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a complex, philosophical take on a murder within a complicated family.
In non-fiction, The Noom Kitchen serves up nutrient-rich recipes that will leave you feeling energised. With health-conscious twists on comfort foods and recipes perfect for the person on the go, this is a delectable delight! With the new series gripping the nation, now is the time to read Doctor Who Psychology by Travis Langley. In this updated edition, Langley poses questions about mortality, human nature, and regeneration, linking them all to this cult classic. In current affairs, Michael Dillon unveils the mystery surrounding Xi Jinping, the most powerful leader in the world. This book is an acute observation of Xi’s desires and history, but it also examines the effects of Xi’s leadership in China on the rest of the world.
In children’s fiction, the picture book I Love You More by Clare Helen Welsh is a beautiful way to tell your child that your love for them is eternal. The Guide to the Treehouse will ensure plenty of giggles, as young ones get to explore all the characters, trivia, and details from the beloved series; and for young adults, Catch Your Death is a riveting read. Three girls are trapped in a grand estate with a murderer, plenty of weapons, and secret passageways.
As always, if there’s something you need help with, or a book you need ordering, please call or email us!
From Sophie
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