Stuff You Should Know SYSK’s 2021 Glad Tidings Bonanza Holiday Special
Dec 23, 2021
Join Josh and Chuck as they spread holiday cheer with a lighthearted discussion about the origins of the beloved poem 'A Visit from St. Nick.' They dive into the mystery of its authorship and the enchanting history behind Christmas colors like red and green. The hosts reminisce about nostalgic holiday music and the quirky charm of Advent calendars, even touching on the humorous roots of Festivus. It's a festive celebration filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt reflections on the spirit of the season.
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Disputed Authorship of Famous Christmas Poem
- The authorship of "A Visit from St. Nicholas", also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas", is disputed.
- While Clement Clark Moore is officially credited, the Livingston family claims their ancestor, Henry Livingston Jr., wrote it years prior.
Evidence Supporting Livingston's Claim
- The Livingston family claims to have Dutch heritage, which is reflected in the original Dutch names of Santa's reindeer in the poem.
- A handwritten draft with revisions allegedly existed but was destroyed in a house fire.
Literary Analysis and Statistical Evidence
- Literary professors argue that Moore's writing style doesn't match the poem's anapestic tetrameter scheme, while Livingston frequently used it.
- A statistical analysis of Moore's notebook further supports this claim, showing inconsistencies with the poem.