“The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care” is a popular Christmas poem that tells the story of a family preparing for the holiday season. The poem has been adapted into a song and is now a classic Christmas carol that is sung in homes and churches around the world.
Origins of the Poem
The origins of “The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care” are unclear, but it is believed to have been written in the early 19th century. The poem is thought to have been inspired by the Christmas tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace to be filled with gifts and treats by Santa Claus.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to “The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care” are as follows:
“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 mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.”
The Meaning of the Poem
The meaning of “The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care” is simple: it is a celebration of the Christmas season and the joy that it brings. The poem speaks to the excitement that children feel on Christmas Eve, as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus and the gifts that he will bring.
Conclusion
“The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care” is a beloved Christmas poem that has been passed down through generations. Its charming lyrics and timeless message continue to capture the spirit of the holiday season and bring joy to families around the world.