In the early 19th century, Santa was sometimes depicted as a reveler from the lower classes – someone in need of charity, rather than a gift-giver himself.Īs Christmas began to evolve into a family holiday, the image of Santa changed as well. In Victorian Britain, Christmas became a festive holiday, with much feasting and drinking in addition to a religious celebration.

In German legend, he was accompanied by Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon creature that meted out a range of punishments to bad children, from mild to violent. Nick portrayed him as a tall, thin, stern man in a bishop’s hat who brought children both gifts and punishments. 6, became a popular celebration in medieval Europe. He became known for generosity, such as giving children presents and gifting dowries to young women in need. Afterward, some of Artemis’ traits began showing up in legends as characteristics of St. Nicholas, an early Christian bishop in what is now Turkey, was said to have destroyed a temple to Artemis, which he believed was idolatrous. Some scholars argue that the idea of a magical being bringing gifts and good cheer can be traced all the way back to the Greek goddess Artemis.

Santa Claus had undergone many makeovers in the Western imagination by the time readers were introduced to “‘Twas the Night before Christmas.” No matter who wrote it, the poem is a fascinating object that has shaped Christmases past, present – and maybe yet to come. Every December, library staff shares our multiple copies of the poem in an exhibit to celebrate the holiday season. Moore – a 19th-century scholar at the General Theological Seminary in New York, where I work as a reference librarian – has been credited with writing the poem in 1822 for his children. It has also inspired the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly old man sporting red and a round belly.īut this poem has been steeped in controversy, and debate still looms over who the true author is. Nicholas,” better known by its opening line “‘Twas the Night before Christmas,” has a special place among Christmas traditions, right alongside hot chocolate, caroling and bright lights.

1823 poem the night before christmas