Christmas is a time rich in traditions. Familiar carols, decorations and activities become treasured parts of the holiday. Included in these traditions is perhaps the best-known holiday poem, The Night Before Christmas. It begins with the familiar words:
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads,
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
This classic American Christmas poem has been illustrated by perhaps hundreds of different artists through the years. Selecting just a few to share with children will help them understand both the richness of the poem itself as well as the creative abilities of the women and men who seek to capture some of its beauty on canvas or paper.
The Night Before Christmas Illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Gennady Spirin brought the poem to life in a lovely traditional style in The Night Before Christmas [Marshall Cavendish Children, 2006, ISBN 0761452982]. This version of the story is told from the point of view of a young boy rather than the father as indicated in the poem itself.
Using water colors and pencils, Spirin creates a version full of action. Each illustration seems to come off the page with the different characters fully engaged physically in what is going on in the story. The result is a traditionally illustrated version that will still capture the attention of young children.
The Night Before Christmas Illustrated by Jan Brett
Beloved children's illustrator Jan Brett provides a lavishly illustrated version in The Night Before Christmas [G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1998, ISBN 0399251936]. In Brett's version an addition to the story is the inclusion of two elves in Santa's sleigh who help him deliver the gifts on Christmas Eve.
As in many of her other books, Brett utilizes vibrant colors, richly decorated borders and extensive details in her painted illustrations. A veritable feast for the eyes, the familiar poem comes alive in a new way with the intricately detailed illustrations.
The Night Before Christmas Illustrated by Will Moses
A third version of the poem is provided by Will Moses, grandson of painter Grandma Moses, in The Night Before Christmas [Philomel Books, 2006, ISBN 158865379X]. Moses places the story in his native New England, adding a folksy twist to the traditional story.
Illustrated in oils, Moses provides a quirky look at the story with whimsical illustrations that alternate between smaller illustrations that are two or three to a page and full two-page spreads. Each illustration offers a fun or even humorous look at the story's characters.
Children will be captivated by the story The Night Before Christmas. Enjoying a variety of versions with different illustrators such as Gennady Sprin, Jan Brett and Will Moses can provide students with an appreciation for the talent and vision of diverse artists. Sharing children's picture books at Christmas can be a great way to also create meaningful family Christmas traditions.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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