The Night Before Christmas was first published in 1823 & is considered as being largely responsible for the conception of Santa Claus from the mid-nineteenth century to today. The enchanting poem tells the story of a man who, while his wife & children are fast asleep, awakens on Christmas Eve to curious noises outside of his house. As he looks out of the window he witnesses a sleigh, pulled by eight reindeer, flying high across the sky before landing, to the man`s great surprise, on the roof of his very own house. The events that follow mark the beginning of the tradition of Santa Claus & the joy that he brings to children on Christmas night. This new gift edition brings together the traditional poem with new, stunning illustrations by the award-winning Australian artist Robert Ingpen, each one a delightful evocation of this eternally popular verse.