Dateline NBC "The Night Before Christmas" read by Keith Morrison
Dec 24, 2025
Settle in as Keith Morrison cozily recounts the beloved classic of Christmas Eve. He paints vivid imagery of a night with stockings hung, creating a perfect nostalgic atmosphere. The excitement builds with Santa's grand arrival, complete with named reindeer and a sleigh. Morrison captures the magic of St. Nicholas's jovial spirit as he slips down chimneys and fills stockings. As he wraps up with heartfelt Christmas wishes, listeners are left enveloped in holiday cheer and warmth.
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Rhythm Drives Momentum
- Repetition and rhythmic lines drive the poem's momentum and sense of motion.
- Phrases like 'dash away, dash away' and ringing names push the scene forward with musical energy.
Contrast Enhances The Surprise
- The poem balances wonder and calm, moving from sleeping children to sudden magical arrival.
- This contrast heightens the surprise and joy of Santa's visit in the narrative arc.
Sensory Details Create A Cinematic Scene
- The narration emphasizes sensory details that create a cinematic Christmas scene.
- Descriptions like twinkling eyes, jingling reindeer, and chimney entry make the poem immediately immersive.