Old Santeclaus with Much Delight: The Children’s Friend: A New-Year’s Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve

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Old Santeclaus with much delight

His reindeer drives this frosty night,

O'r chimney tops, and tracts of snow,

To bring his yearly gifts to you.

-Anonymous, Old Santeclaus with Much Delight (1821)

Old Santeclaus with Much Delight (1821) is a short, illustrated children’s poem which is the first mention of flying reindeer pulling Santa Claus’s sleigh. While the author remains anonymous, it may have been written by its original publisher, William B. Gilley (1785-1830). This publication, recreated from the original 1821 edition, includes eight original color illustrations by Arthur J. Stansbury (1781-1830). The illustrations were the first colored lithography in the United States and are the earliest images of Santa dressed in red. Considered to be the work that influenced ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore (1823), this heartwarming work is a holiday delight for all ages.