Consistent evidence supports Clement Moore’s authorship of “A Visit from St Nicholas,” better known as “The Night Before Christmas,” in December of 1822. The poem was first published anonymously in 1823, and the original publisher hinted at Moore’s authorship by 1829. It was published by Moore himself in 1844. Moore’s daughter drew a calligraphic copy in 1852, which has been published many times since. Moore penned four autograph versions, in 1853 (now in the Strong Museum), in 1856 (the Huntington Library), in 1860 (our copy), and in 1862 (New York Historical Society). Each manuscript is unquestionably authentic and written by Moore.
