The Christmas season is a time brimming with unique sentiments – nostalgia for childhood memories, warmth of family gatherings, the quiet beauty of winter, and the universal themes of hope, joy, and giving. For centuries, poets have captured these feelings in verse, offering us countless Good Christmas Poems that resonate deeply with the spirit of the holidays. Poetry provides a wonderful way to connect with the season’s meaning, whether through classic verses steeped in tradition, humorous rhymes that capture the chaos of the holidays, or tender reflections on peace and goodwill.
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Exploring Christmas poetry allows us to step back from the hustle and bustle and immerse ourselves in the evocative power of language. These poems can range from sacred retellings of the Nativity story to lighthearted takes on Santa Claus, snow, and festive feasts. They offer different perspectives, emotions, and insights into what makes this time of year so special. Reading aloud is a cherished Christmas tradition, and sharing good christmas poems with loved ones can create lasting memories and foster a deeper appreciation for both the holiday and the art of poetry.
Classic Christmas Poems
Some Christmas poems have become so synonymous with the season that they are revisited year after year, their lines instantly recognizable. These classic good christmas poems evoke a strong sense of tradition and capture enduring aspects of the holiday experience.
Perhaps the most famous of all is Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” often simply called “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” First published anonymously in 1823, it was later attributed to Moore and has since shaped much of our modern image of Santa Claus, his sleigh, and his reindeer.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ 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 danc’d in their heads,
And Mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my 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,
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 miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call’d them by name:
“Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen,
“On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;
“To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
“Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys — and St. Nicholas too:
And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound:
He was dress’d all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnish’d with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys was flung on his back,
And he look’d like a peddler just opening his pack:
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.
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laugh’d, like a bowl full of jelly:
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laugh’d when I saw him in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And fill’d all the stockings; then turn’d with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight —
‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.’
This poem is a staple for many families, often read aloud on Christmas Eve, contributing significantly to the collective imagery of a magical, snowy Christmas night. Its vivid descriptions and cheerful tone make it a truly good christmas poem for readers of all ages.
Another classic, “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti, offers a different perspective. While often set to music as a carol, its power as a poem lies in its stark, evocative imagery of a cold, harsh winter juxtaposed with the humble, warm birth of Jesus in a stable.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
Rossetti’s poem moves from a physical description of the winter landscape to a theological reflection on the Incarnation, concluding with a personal, heartfelt offering. This blend of the earthly and the divine, the cold external world and the internal warmth of devotion, makes it a poignant and reflective good christmas poem.
Humorous and Playful Christmas Verses
Christmas isn’t just about solemn reflection; it’s also a time for laughter and lightheartedness. Many poets capture the funny side of the holidays, offering poems that are perfect for bringing a smile to your face. These lighter verses prove that good christmas poems can come in many forms, from traditional to modern, serious to silly.
Benjamin Zephaniah’s “Talking Turkeys” is a modern, humorous, and thought-provoking poem written in his distinctive style. It encourages readers to think differently about Christmas dinner traditions, offering a playful plea from the perspective of the potential main course.
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas Cos’ turkeys just wanna hav fun Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked An every turkey has a Mum. Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas, Don’t eat it, keep it alive, It could be yu mate, an not on yu plate Say, Yo! Turkey I’m on your side.
I got lots of friends who are turkeys An all of dem fear christmas time, Dey wanna enjoy it, dey say humans destroyed it An humans are out of dere mind, Yeah, I got lots of friends who are turkeys Dey all hav a right to a life, Not to be caged up an genetically made up By any farmer an his wife.
Turkeys just wanna play reggae Turkeys just wanna hip-hop Can yu imagine a nice young turkey saying, ‘I cannot wait for de chop’, Turkeys like getting presents, dey wanna watch christmas TV, Turkeys hav brains an turkeys feel pain In many ways like yu an me.
I once knew a turkey called Turkey He said ‘Benji explain to me please, Who put de turkey in christmas An what happens to christmas trees?’, I said ‘I am not too sure turkey But it’s nothing to do wid Christ Mass Humans get greedy an waste more dan need be An business men mek loadsa cash’.
Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas Invite dem indoors fe sum greens Let dem eat cake an let dem partake In a plate of organic grown beans, Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas An spare dem de cut of de knife, Join Turkeys United an dey’ll be delighted An yu will mek new friends ‘FOR LIFE’.
This poem uses humor and a unique voice to deliver a message about compassion and consumerism, proving that a good christmas poem can be both funny and insightful.
Timothy Tocher’s “Help Wanted” is another lighthearted poem, focusing on the challenges faced by Santa’s ageing reindeer team. It’s a short, witty verse that imagines the practical problems of maintaining the iconic Christmas sleigh.
Santa needs new reindeer. The first bunch has grown old. Dasher has arthritis; Comet hates the cold. Prancer’s sick of staring at Dancer’s big behind. Cupid married Blitzen and Donder lost his mind. Dancer’s mad at Vixen for stepping on his toes. Vixen’s being thrown out— she laughed at Rudolph’s nose. If you are a reindeer we hope you will apply. There is just one tricky part: You must know how to fly.
This poem’s simple rhyme and rhythm make it particularly appealing for younger readers and a fun one to share. It adds a touch of modern, relatable humor to the classic Christmas narrative.
Continuing the playful theme, Dave Calder offers a modern, slightly exasperated take on the traditional carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with his poem, “On the thirteenth day of Christmas my true love phoned me up . . . “.
Well, I suppose I should be grateful, you’ve obviously gone to a lot of trouble and expense – or maybe off your head. Yes, I did like the birds – the small ones anyway were fun if rather messy, but now the hens have roosted on my bed and the rest are nested on the wardrobe. It’s hard to sleep with all that cooing, let alone the cackling of the geese whose eggs are everywhere, but mostly in a broken smelly heap on the sofa. No, why should I mind? I can’t get any peace anywhere – the lounge is full of drummers thumping tom-toms and sprawling lords crashed out from manic leaping. The kitchen is crammed with cows and milkmaids and smells of a million stink-bombs and enough sour milk to last a year. The pipers? I’d forgotten them – they were no trouble, I paid them and they went. But I can’t get rid of these young ladies. They won’t stop dancing or turn the music down and they’re always in the bathroom, squealing as they skid across the flooded floor. No, I don’t need a plumber round, it’s just the swans – where else can they swim? Poor things, I think they’re going mad, like me. When I went to wash my hands one ate the soap, another swallowed the gold rings. And the pear tree died. Too dry. So thanks for nothing, love. Goodbye.
This poem humorously depicts the overwhelming and chaotic reality of receiving such an excessive list of gifts, providing a relatable, modern twist on a well-known song. It’s a funny reminder that sometimes, too much of a good thing is just… too much.
Reflections on the Meaning of Christmas
Beyond the festive cheer and presents, Christmas holds deeper meaning for many. Poems exploring the Nativity, peace, and the spirit of giving are often considered among the most moving and good christmas poems.
Christina Rossetti’s “Love Came Down at Christmas” focuses on the central Christian message of the holiday: God’s love manifesting in the birth of Jesus.
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
Simple yet profound, this short poem distills the essence of the Christian Christmas into the concept of Love itself, presenting it as the ultimate gift and the required response from humanity.
Marian Swinger’s “The First Christmas” offers a descriptive, narrative account of the Nativity scene, focusing on the sensory details and key figures involved.
It never snows at Christmas in that dry and dusty land.
Instead of freezing blizzards, there are palms and drifting sands,
and years ago a stable and a most unusual star
and three wise men who followed it, by camel, not by car,
while, sleepy on the quiet hills, a shepherd gave a cry.
He’d seen a crowd of angels in the silent starlit sky.
In the stable, ox and ass stood very still and calm
and gazed upon the baby, safe and snug in Mary’s arms.
And Joseph, lost in shadows, face lit by an oil lamp’s glow
stood wondering, that first Christmas Day, two thousand years ago
This poem transports the reader to the historical setting, emphasizing the quiet wonder and significance of the event. It’s a lovely, accessible poem that captures the traditional story of the first Christmas.
e.e. cummings’ “little tree” offers a unique, intimate perspective on a common Christmas symbol: the Christmas tree. Written in his characteristic style without standard capitalization and punctuation, it speaks directly to the tree with tenderness and affection.
little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower
who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly
i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don’t be afraid
look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,
put up your little arms
and i’ll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy
then when you’re quite dressed
you’ll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they’ll stare!
oh but you’ll be very proud
and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we’ll dance and sing
‘Noel Noel’
This poem is a beautiful example of how even the smallest things at Christmas can inspire deep emotion and connection. It highlights the magic of decorating the tree through the eyes of a child, making it a particularly touching good christmas poem about a beloved tradition.
Finding More Good Christmas Poems
The poems featured here represent just a small selection of the many wonderful verses written about Christmas. From classic carols to contemporary reflections, the world of poetry offers a rich resource for celebrating the holiday season. Many anthologies collect good christmas poems, offering a convenient way to discover new favorites and revisit old ones.
Collections like A Poem for Every Day of Christmas or Carol Ann Duffy’s Christmas Poems curate diverse voices and styles, providing a poem for every mood and day leading up to the holiday. Similarly, broader anthologies like A Poem for Every Day of the Year or A Poem for Every Night of the Year often include festive selections perfect for winter reading. Whether you seek humorous rhymes, solemn reflections, or vivid descriptions of snowy landscapes, there’s a Christmas poem waiting to resonate with you.
Finding the perfect collection of good Christmas poems can enhance your festive reading experience.
Exploring poetry collections is a fantastic way to deepen your connection with the literary arts and find poems that speak to your heart, not just during the holidays but all year round. From delving into different poetic forms to uncovering hidden gems by diverse poets, the journey of poetry discovery is endlessly rewarding. You can find poems that explore different types of love poems, learn about classic structures like examples haiku poems, or even find verses for significant life events such as poems for funerals.
Conclusion
Christmas poems, whether classic or contemporary, funny or serious, offer a beautiful way to engage with the multifaceted spirit of the festive season. They capture the magic, the meaning, the joy, and the quiet contemplation that define this time of year. Revisiting beloved verses or discovering new good christmas poems can enrich your holiday experience, providing moments of reflection, laughter, and connection.
We encourage you to explore the world of Christmas poetry, read these poems aloud, and share them with those you love. May the words within these verses add warmth and light to your celebrations.