by Clement C. Moore, Charles Santore (Illustrator). Since it was first published anonymously in 1823 (and later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore), “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted children with the story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh. Many families read the poem every year, and now they have an edition to treasure. The cherished verse, faithfully reproduced in this oversized heirloom edition, is accompanied by Charles Santore’s lavish illustrations.