Doctor Who: A Visit from St. Nicholas
December 27th, 1823.
Dear Grandmother,
I decided to send you another letter; as you have not responded to my others, I have concluded that you must be extremely busy. But nobody should be alone at Christmas, so I thought I would write a letter, a letter about my Christmas, and the day I met St Nicholas.
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.
I was nestled all snug in my bed, while visions of sugar-plums danced in my head. And mamma in her 'kerchief, and pa in his 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 like a flash; I 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 tall blue box, with the word 'Police' written clear. With a tall young occupant, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. The man wore a long green coat, complimented by a bow tie, his young face, contrasted by eyes so old and dry.
And then, with a thud, heard a noise like a hoot, the prancing and skipping of a heavy boot. I was quick to the door; St Nick was not all that I saw. The living room was full, presents by the tree; and the same man, smiling with glee.
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, but lacking a beard, that should be as white as snow.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, checking the stockings, and 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 box, to his team gave a whistle, and away he flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"