‘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 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 the lustre of mid-day 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.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now, _Dasher!_ now, _Dancer!_ now, _Prancer_ and _Vixen!_ On, _Comet!_ on, _Cupid!_ on, _Donder_ and _Blitzen!_
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes–how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”
The night before Christmas has a certain magic. It’s quiet but full of anticipation. A time to pause, reflect, and prepare. For leaders, this season offers the perfect opportunity to think about how we show up for those around us.
Leadership often happens behind the scenes. Most of the magic is in the preparation. While everyone sees the delivery of results, the real work is in the planning, the team-building, and the quiet commitment to something bigger than ourselves.
preparation is key
Think about Santa’s sleigh. It doesn’t just happen. The elves, the reindeer, the maps—everything is ready because of preparation. As leaders, we need that same mindset. What are you doing now to ensure success later? Are your systems in place? Is your team clear on their roles?
showing up matters
Santa doesn’t skip a house. That consistency is a hallmark of trust. Great leaders don’t skip their people, either. They show up when it matters most. They listen, acknowledge, and make their teams feel seen. It doesn’t have to be big or flashy. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
reflecting on the year
The night before Christmas is also a moment to reflect. What did you accomplish this year? What challenges helped you grow? More importantly, who helped you along the way? Gratitude is a quiet superpower in leadership.
spreading the cheer
One of Santa’s best qualities is his generosity. Leadership is no different. Are you generous with your time? Your feedback? Your support? A leader who gives freely—without keeping score—creates a culture of loyalty and inspiration.
The night before Christmas is a reminder of all the behind-the-scenes work that makes great things possible. Whether you’re preparing for a big year ahead or simply pausing to appreciate what’s been, let this be your moment to reflect, plan, and lead with purpose.
It’s now, before the year starts, when you have the opportunity to set the stage for success.
image credit: alicia slough
