Exploring Different Versions of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’

Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” has captured the hearts of generations since its likely publication in 1823. Its iconic opening lines immediately conjure images of a hushed, hopeful Christmas Eve. While the original poem remains a beloved staple, its enduring popularity has inspired countless creative adaptations, offering unique perspectives on the cherished tale. Exploring these different versions of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ reveals how the core narrative can be wonderfully transformed through diverse cultural, regional, and thematic lenses, enriching the holiday tradition.

These retellings transport the familiar characters and events to new settings, introduce unique local customs, and often adapt the language to reflect specific dialects or communities. From bustling cities to quiet rural landscapes, and from historical periods to fantastical realms, each variation offers a fresh yet familiar take on Santa’s annual visit, celebrating the poem’s universal themes while grounding them in specific experiences.

Classic illustration of Clement Clarke Moore's poem

A World of Variations: Exploring Retellings

The adaptability of Moore’s poem lies in its simple, rhythmic structure and evocative imagery. This makes it a perfect canvas for authors and illustrators to inject their own cultural heritage, humor, or unique twists. Examining these varied interpretations provides not only delightful reading but also insight into different ways the Christmas story is celebrated and imagined across the globe and within specific communities.

‘Twas the Night B’fore Christmas: An African-American Version (1996)

Melodye Rosales takes the classic narrative and sets it on a small North Carolina farm at the turn of the 20th century. This version, starting “‘Twas the night b’fore Christmas when all ’round the house, not a critter was stirrin’, not even a mouse,” retells the story through the lens of an African American family, incorporating elements of African American English and cultural context. It shifts the setting from the early 1800s England (implied in the original poem’s cultural context) to a different time and place in American history, offering a resonant adaptation for a specific audience.

Cover of Twas the Night Bfore Christmas African American Version

Illustration from Twas the Night Bfore Christmas African American Version

Ozark Night Before Christmas (2004)

Authored by Amanda McWilliams with illustrations by James Rice, this version transports the story to the Ozark Mountains, where “‘Twere Christmas Eve, an’ mist a-crept off the crick.” The language here reflects the unique dialect of the region, using terms like “crick” and incorporating the distinctive a- prefix. Santy arrives not with reindeer but in a boat accompanied by a pet raccoon, visiting a family of Paw, Maw, and their son. This adaptation humorously captures the spirit and linguistic flavor of the Ozarks.

Cover of Ozark Night Before Christmas featuring a boat

Illustration from Ozark Night Before Christmas showing Santy

Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas (2000)

Chet Williamson, with illustrations by James Rice, sets his version, starting “It vas night before Christmas, und all over the farm,” in Pennsylvania Dutch country. This retelling features the Belsnickel, a figure more common in local folklore than Santa Claus, who arrives on a plow pulled by cows and steers. The language incorporates elements of the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, primarily reflected in pronunciation cues and specific vocabulary. A helpful guide is included to aid readers in understanding the unique linguistic style.

Cover of Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas with Belsnickel

Illustration of Belsnickel in Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas

Cajun Night Before Christmas (1973)

Trosclair’s version, edited by Howard Jacobs and illustrated by James Rice, dives into the culture of the Louisiana Bayou. “‘Twas the night before Christmas an’ all t’ru de house dey don’t a t’ing pass not even a mouse,” begins this retelling. St. Nicklus appears dressed in muskrat and travels by skiff pulled by eight alligators. The story is steeped in Cajun dialect and cultural references, making it a lively and distinctive read-aloud experience.

Cover of Cajun Night Before Christmas showing alligators

Illustration of St. Nicklus in a skiff from Cajun Night Before Christmas

An Irish Night Before Christmas (1995)

Sarah Kirwan Blazek, with illustrations by James Rice, brings the tale to Ireland. Beginning “‘Twas the night before Christmas and down the glen lane the candles they twinkled in each windowpane,” this version features a freckled Father Christmas dressed in green, soaring in a cart pulled by a donkey. He is accompanied by seven small elves with traditional Irish names. The narrative captures a sense of Irish charm, even incorporating Father Christmas and his elves enjoying whiskey and stout before being shooed out.

Cover of An Irish Night Before Christmas with Father Christmas

Illustration of Father Christmas and elves from An Irish Night Before Christmas

A Kiwi Night Before Christmas (2003)

Yvonne Morrison and illustrator Deborah Hinde offer an international take from New Zealand. The poem starts, “‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all round the bach not a possum was stirring; not one could we catch.” This adaptation reflects New Zealand culture, featuring a Santa in shorts and a tank top with a pet dog, riding a miniature tractor pulled by eight tiny sheep. The story is filled with local references, and the illustrations add a layer of humor to the retelling.

Cover of A Kiwi Night Before Christmas featuring sheep

Illustration from A Kiwi Night Before Christmas showing Santa on a tractor

Prairie Night Before Christmas (1986)

Written and illustrated by James Rice, this version is set on the Southwestern plain, specifically the Oklahoma panhandle. “‘Twas a cold Christmas eve on the Southwestern plain and the North wind was blowin’ through a broke winderpane,” it begins. Here, Santa loses his reindeer in a storm and enlists the help of cowboys to hitch eight longhorn steers to his wagon to finish deliveries. The story incorporates Midwestern dialect and the rugged landscape of the prairie.

Cover of Prairie Night Before Christmas with longhorn steers

Illustration from Prairie Night Before Christmas showing Santa and cowboys

Texas Night Before Christmas (1986)

Another creation by James Rice, this variation, “‘Twas the night before Christmas in the cold wintry fog. Nary a critter was movin’, nor a lone prairie dog,” seems to follow directly from the Prairie version, with Santa heading to Texas. Also featuring eight longhorn steers pulling a wagon, the story is told in a Texan dialect. It offers a fun, regional twist on the classic poem, tailored for children in Texas and the wider Southwest.

Cover of Texas Night Before Christmas in a Texas setting

Illustration from Texas Night Before Christmas featuring Texas landscape

La Nochebuena South of the Border (1993)

James Rice’s bilingual version, written and illustrated in Spanish and English, is set in Mexico. “‘Twas la Nochebuean down south of the border. La casa was quiet; the rooms were in order,” it begins. This retelling features Papá Noel arriving in a cart drawn by eight burros. Spanish words are woven into the English text, making it a wonderful holiday read for families familiar with both languages or interested in Mexican culture.

Cover of La Nochebuena South of the Border with Papá Noel and burros

Illustration from La Nochebuena South of the Border in a Mexican setting

Librarian’s Night Before Christmas (2007)

David Davis, with illustrations by Jim Harris, offers a thematic twist set in a library. “‘Twas a cold Yuletide evening, and I wandered the stacks,” begins this story. A librarian finds herself lamenting library funding issues on Christmas Eve, only for Santa to arrive in a flying bookmobile, bringing not just gifts but resources like new books and carpet, and even resolving overdue fees. The poem is filled with allusions to literature and library life, making it perfect for book lovers.

Cover of Librarians Night Before Christmas featuring books

Illustration from Librarians Night Before Christmas showing Santa in a library

The Principal’s Night Before Christmas (2004)

Steven L. Layne, illustrated by James Rice, sets this version in a school. “‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town all the students and teachers had settled right down,” the poem starts. A principal is left at school on Christmas Eve, overwhelmed by administrative tasks. Santa arrives with his elves, offering help to the stressed principal. This retelling resonates with educators and provides a humorous take on the pressures of the school year culminating at the holidays.

Cover of The Principals Night Before Christmas in a school setting

Illustration from The Principals Night Before Christmas showing a principal

Preacher’s Night Before Christmas (2006)

Another work by Steven L. Layne, with illustrations by Carol Benioff, takes the story to a church on Christmas Eve. “‘Twas the night before Christmas at Spring Lane Creek Church, and Pastor McDougal was in quite a lurch,” it begins. A preacher is struggling with his congregation’s focus on material aspects of the holiday. A man named St. Nick arrives, seemingly confused with Santa, but helps the preacher and congregation remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Cover of Preachers Night Before Christmas featuring a church

Illustration from Preachers Night Before Christmas showing a pastor and visitor

The Night Before Christmas in Arizona (2002)

Sue Carabine, illustrated by Shauna Mooney Kawaski, sets this version against the backdrop of Arizona’s unique landscape. “‘Twas the night before Christmas; the reindeer and Nick were flying down low over Route 66,” the poem starts. Flying over the Grand Canyon, Santa contemplates retirement to Arizona, wondering if he’s too old. The story includes references to local landmarks and captures the distinct feel of an Arizona Christmas.

Cover of The Night Before Christmas in Arizona with desert scenery

Illustration from The Night Before Christmas in Arizona featuring Santa flying over the Grand Canyon

A Rugrats Night Before Christmas (1999)

Based on the popular animated series, David Lewman’s version, illustrated by Sergio Cuan, centers on the Rugrats babies. “‘Twas the night afore Christmas — our house was real still. Not a baby was cryin’ — nope, not even Dil,” begins this retelling. The babies investigate noises and discover Santa. Angelica initially claims all toys, but the story explores whether she can find the spirit of giving. It adapts the classic tale to fit the personalities and world of the beloved cartoon characters.

Cover of A Rugrats Night Before Christmas featuring the cartoon characters

Illustration from A Rugrats Night Before Christmas showing the babies discovering Santa

The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas (2006)

Authored by Trish Holland and Christine Ford, with illustrations by John Manders, this poignant version is set on an army base in the desert. “‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the base only sentries were stirring — they guarded the place,” it begins. Soldiers await a visit from Sergeant McClaus. The story captures the longing for home during the holidays and explores whether Christmas cheer can reach those serving far away.

Cover of The Soldiers Night Before Christmas with a military theme

Illustration from The Soldiers Night Before Christmas showing a soldier

The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas (2008)

Anne Muecke and illustrator Nathan Hale present a fantastical take set in a natural history museum. “‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the hall not a creature was stirring, there was no sound at all,” starts this imaginative version. A young boy witnesses the dinosaur fossils reassembling. Santosaur arrives, revealing that dinosaurs hold a Christmas Eve ball. This creative adaptation blends the holiday theme with the fascinating world of dinosaurs.

Cover of The Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas featuring dinosaurs

Illustration from The Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas showing reassembled dinosaurs

A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas (2008)

Philip Yates and illustrator Sabastia Serra set this variation on a pirate ship, the Black Sark. “‘Twas the night before Christmas aboard the Black Sark. Not a creature was stirrin’, not even a shark!” begins this swashbuckling version. The pirates await a visit from Sir Peg, a fearsome figure who emerges from the ocean pulled by seahorses. This humorous retelling imagines a very different kind of Christmas visitor for a crew of pirates.

Cover of A Pirates Night Before Christmas with pirate characters

Illustration from A Pirates Night Before Christmas showing Sir Peg

The Teachers’ Night Before Christmas (2001)

Written by Steven L. Layne and illustrated by James Rice, this version focuses on the busy lives of school teachers before the holiday break. “‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town every schoolteacher scurried — They could not slow down,” the poem opens, reflecting the hectic period leading up to Christmas Eve. Santa arrives on a bus, dressed in a sport coat, bringing relief and holiday spirit to frazzled educators.

Cover of The Teachers Night Before Christmas with a school theme

Illustration from The Teachers Night Before Christmas showing stressed teachers

The Enduring Magic of Adaptation

Exploring these many different versions of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ highlights the extraordinary power and flexibility of Clement Clarke Moore’s original poem. It demonstrates how a simple, well-structured narrative can be reimagined to connect with diverse audiences, reflect unique cultures and experiences, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in countless ways. Each retelling, while distinct, pays homage to the original, keeping its magic alive while adding new layers of meaning and delight. They serve as a testament to the poem’s place as a fundamental piece of holiday literature, capable of blooming into endless new forms.