Writing Christmas poems can be such a joy to those who look forward to this glorious time of year… when goodwill for all is at the top of many humble wish lists. Yet what goes into such holiday craftworks without the typical hubris? Consider the following poems…
Perhaps most popular to be read to little sparkling eyed tots on Christmas Eve before bedtime is “A Visit From St. Nicholas”, which become better known by its opening line “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”. Written by Clement C. Moore. It is the story of a visit by Santa Claus to a humble family awaiting the magic to arrive…
"'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;…”
Published anonymously in 1823, the loaded words and phrases attributed to the anticipation of Santa with gifts continue to excite children’s imaginations even today. Sugar plums dancing in their heads! What an image! It remains a poetry essential at Christmas!
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote of spreading goodwill through bells “wild and sweet” in “Christmas Bells“…only to end the ringing with “God is not dead/ Nor does he sleep…”… notice how he digs up the repeat of old familiar ESSENCE here… “I heard the bells on Christmas Day/ Their old, familiar carols play,/ And wild and sweet/ The words repeat/ Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
In “Little Tree”, E.E. Cummings addressed our adoration of that decorated green rallying point set up in so many living rooms by comparing it to a flower to admire and beautify in this short excerpt … “little tree/ little silent Christmas tree/ you are so little / you are more like a flower…”
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” remains a staple in my home… Dr. Seuss wrote a “Christmas Carol” of sorts about an old hermit who finds the Christmas spirit and is redeemed. The incorporation of a little girl drives home a central theme of a holiday that is all about children’s smiles … “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!/ Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store/ Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!…”
Oh Holy Night remains my favorite Christmas song, but it was originally a poem by Placide Cappeau written in 1843, a divinely brilliant reflection of Christ’s reason within a season. Phrases such as “a soul felt it’s worth” and “the weary world rejoices” are perfect. A true masterpiece, the chorus praising Jesus is beyond beautiful… “Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!/ O night divine, O night when Christ was born;/ O night divine, O night, O night Divine…”
Many themes can be attributed to the Christmas season and are often reflected in Yuletide poetry. Gratuity, humility, spiritual redemption, trees, decorations, snow, gifts, family traditions, and the birth of a savior for all mankind are but a few!
Capturing the magic is done by investing into the mysteries of children, spirituality, brother and sisterhood, and an eventual peace on earth of forever silent nights. Evoke the holiday feeling!! Create vibrant verbs to dance about holiday themes… with a reverberant message found at the end to ponder upon… as you wait for Christmas morning!
Can you think of more Christmas poems that you love? Or attributed themes I may have missed? Please leave a comment below and let me know! In the meantime… Merry Christmas to all… and to all a good night…!
Matt Elmore
