
This narrative for ‘Twas the Night Before . . . ‘ was taken from ‘The Visit, the Origin of The Night Before Christmas’, written by Mark Kimball Moulton , Illustrated by Susan Winget.
The following dedication was included in this delightful children’s book:
Dear Reader and Lovers of Christmas,
I would like to share with you my wonderful Christmas memory.
In 1822, my Grandfather’s grandfather, Clement Clarke Moore, created a delightful Christmas poem for his ailing daughter as his Christmas gift to her that year. He did no realize at the time that it was destined to become a classic.
Her gift was first known as An Account of a Visit from St Nicholas but is more better known as The Night Before Christmas.
The following account is true as I know it and has been lovingly passed down from generation to generation in my family.
I do hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoy telling it.
With Christmas Love and Joy
Dinghy Sharp
In addition, this forward preceded the story:
Since the Night Before Christmas first appeared, we’re certain many have wondered about the story. Behind the story: How did this cherished poem come to be? What inspired a principled highly educated biblical scholar to create such a tender and magical Christmas tale?
The answer – according to Moore family legend, is simple – it was the heartfelt love a parent for his child.
We are honoured to share this story in the same spirit in which Clement C. Moore first offered The Night Before Christmas many years ago – as a gift of love to all little children everywhere, forevermore.
–Dinghy, Susan and Mark.