It quickly established itself as a Christmas classic. In 1837, Charles Fenno Hoffman said that his friend, Clement Moore, had written the poem. Moore also included the poem in his own anthology.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring — not even a mouse.” We’ve all heard the rhyme before — but where did it come from? On Dec. 23 201 years ago, ...