A Visit from Saint Nicholas wasn't the first published poem to describe Santa Claus arriving on a sleigh to deliver toys on Christmas Eve. But it is the best known poem to do it. In fact, it's one of the best known poems in the English language. But the story behind A Visit from Saint Nicholas, is in its own way, almost as elusive as catching a glimpse of Santa Claus himself on Christmas Eve. It’s a story of somewhat mysterious origins, disputed authorship, combining of legends, and the making of modern Christmas.

Thank you to Debra Schmidt Bach from the New-York Historical Society for appearing in this episode.

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Music in this episode

• Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
•  Night Light — Blue Dot Sessions via Free Music Archive
• Joy to the World —  Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
• Snowy Afternoon  — Borrtex via Free Music Archive
• Deck the Halls A — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
• Nostalgic Resonance — Scott Holmes via Free Music Archive
• Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Books

Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)