The Night Before Christmas

Clement C. Moore (1779–1863), an American scholar and poet, first wrote The Night Before Christmas in 1822 to entertain his children. A friend submitted it to a local newspaper, The Troy Sentinel, where it was published on December 23, 1823. Moore's delightful description of St. Nicholas and his eight flying reindeer has since become the definitive portrait of Santa Claus.

Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s own childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more.

Mary’s dearest wish has always been to illustrate for children. Her New York Times bestselling the night before christmas is already part of the holiday tradition for families across the country. Other treasured additions to a child’s first bookshelf are her New York Times bestselling Mary Engelbreit’s Mother Goose, Mary Engelbreit’s Nursery Tales, and Mary Engelbreit’s Fairy Tales.