A Visit from St. Nicholas – a Classic Holiday Short Story

A Visit from St. Nicholas – a Classic Holiday Short Story

Author: Short Storyverses November 14, 2025 Duration: 5:02

One of the most beloved Christmas poems of all time, A Visit from St. Nicholas — better known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas — first appeared anonymously in 1823. Fourteen years later, it was credited to Clement Moore. This classic tale of a father’s midnight encounter with Santa Claus remains one of the most cherished holiday stories ever written.


For nearly two centuries, debate has surrounded the true authorship of A Visit from St. Nicholas. Though Clement Moore is credited, some literary scholars argue that the style and spirit better match Major Henry Livingston Jr. Regardless of who wrote it, the poem remains one of the most enduring and beloved pieces of Christmas literature.


Season’s Readings is part of Short Storyverses — discover more timeless tales for every season at shortstoryverses.com.


Season’s Readings is just one corner of the Short Storyverses Multiverse, created for anyone who enjoys a thoughtful pause and a well-told tale. You can explore the rest of the multiverse at shortstoryverses.com.


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Curled up with a blanket as the days grow short, or maybe just seeking a moment of quiet charm in a busy week, you’ll find a perfect companion in Season's Readings-Christmas Stories and Holiday Tales. This podcast from Short Storyverses is less a broadcast and more an invitation to settle in by a imaginary hearth. Voice actor Don McDonald lends his warm, thoughtful narration to a carefully chosen mix of timeless classics and lesser-known original stories, each selected to capture the spirit of the winter holidays. While Christmas is a central joy here, the tales thoughtfully embrace the broader season, offering more than just a single day's celebration. The result is an audio experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh, a personal escape from the seasonal rush. Listening to this podcast is like rediscovering a beloved book of stories each year, where the familiar magic of a well-told tale can make any moment feel a bit more festive. It’s a gentle, heartening collection for anyone who believes the best part of the holidays is often found in the quiet moments and the stories we share.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 21

Season's Readings – Christmas Stories and Holiday Tales
Podcast Episodes
A Set of Poe – a Classic Holiday Tale by George Ade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:04
George Ade’s A Set of Poe follows Mr. Waterby, a man who wants just one indulgence: a beautifully bound set of Edgar Allan Poe. When his wife discourages the purchase, he spirals inward, convincing himself she must be se…
The Gift of the Magi – A Classic Christmas Story by O. Henry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:48
Some gifts arrive quietly, without ribbons, tags, or spectacle. They’re born in that private space between two people who love each other more than they love their own comfort. The Gift of the Magi is a story about that…
Reginald's Christmas Revel – a Classic Christmas Tale by Saki [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:50
A holiday gathering, a knowing smile, and a narrator who sees more than he lets on. Reginald’s Christmas Revel blends elegance and humor in that unmistakable Saki way—light as champagne, sharp as its bubbles. A perfect s…