Classic Holiday Poems that Never Grow Old

Let the business phones keep ringing for a second and take a moment to recall those warm holiday memories of your youth. So many things come to mind. The smells of grandma’s cookies, the lights, the presents, the carols and of course Santa Claus.

The coming together of friends and family. It’s truly a magical season.

Poets, musicians and artists seem to capture these heartfelt glimpses in time best. For a trip down memory lane, let’s take a look at some poems that have inspired joy, peace and the true meaning of the holidays. You will definitely know a few of them, so put your grandstream phone down and rejoice in the season.

Take a look at these and let the holiday spirit move you:

1. Twas the Night Before Christmas, Clement Clarke Moore. A masterpiece that is a favorite of young and old.

2. A Christmas Carol, G.K. Chesterton. First published in 1900, this poem celebrates the birth of the Christ child.

3. Light the Festive Candles, Aileen Lucia Fisher. A joyous poem to share with children and celebrate the Festival of Lights.

4. At Christmas, Edgar Albert Guest. This beautiful poem is about the true meaning of Christmas and the best of man’s character.

5. Chanukah Lights Tonight, Steven Schneider. Celebrating with friends and family and recalling moments from our youth.

6. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, John Rox. This funny poem was realized as a single in 1953 and reached number 24 on the Billboard charts.

7. Christmas Eve, Christina Rossetti. The beauty that Christmas brings.

8. “The Lamps are Burning in the Synagogue”,written by renowned poet Charles Reznikoff.

9. December, Dollie Radford. An ode to Christmas trees and mistletoe.

10. Old Santeclaus, Clement C. Moore. An old poem from 1821 that still rings true today of Santa Claus’ naughty and nice list.

Poets have always had the gift of genuinely expressing the feelings and emotions of the masses. No matter when these poems were written, their meaning still resonates with today’s reader. They are part historical account and part literature. They are a glimpse into our past and the realization that the more things change the more they stay the same.

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah or Christmas, these ten poems will certainly remind you of the true meaning of the holidays. For most of us, this time of year is about reflecting on our past and making plans for a brighter future ahead. It’s an end to the year and a celebration of a new beginning.

Share your favorite Hanukkah and Christmas poems with those near and dear to you this holiday season and enjoy traditions new and old.