Famous Christmas Poems

Published: December 2018

Timeless Christmas Poems - Famous Poems For The Holidays

Christmas is a time for celebration, reflection, and sharing with loved ones. It's a time to come together and enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season. One way to celebrate Christmas is through poetry, and there are many famous Christmas poems that have become classic favorites over the years. These poems capture the spirit of Christmas and explore its themes of love, peace, hope, and joy. They are often recited, sung, and shared during the holiday season as a way to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

Some of the most famous Christmas poems include poems such as The Holy Night By Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the poem which created the Santa Claus we all know and love, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas By Clement Clarke Moore. 

These poems, along with many others, are a beloved part of the Christmas tradition and are sure to bring joy and cheer to anyone who reads or sings them.

9 Timeless Christmas Poems - Famous Poems For The Holidays

  1. A Friend's Greeting

    Famous Poem

    Having a close friend is an incredible blessing. It means having someone who’s always there to listen and encourage. In this famous poem by Edgar Guest (1881-1959), he shares of all the great friendship qualities he’d like to return to someone who has displayed them to him. This poem is made up of octaves (eight-line stanzas). It also has a strong sense of structure since most of the stanzas begin with “I’d like to…”

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    I'd like to be the sort of friend
    that you have been to me;
    I'd like to be the help that you've been
    always glad to be;

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    Edgar is so in touch with his higher self, therefore, bringing a deep resonance from my heart space just thinking of being loved, appreciated, and cherished in such a way! His speaking of...

    Read complete story

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (4)

  2. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

    Famous Poem

    Clement Clarke Moore wrote this poem in 1822 for his own children. It is also referenced with the title, "A Visit from St. Nicholas". The poem is the origin for many of the modern notions of Santa Claus, his plump and cheerful white-bearded look, the names of his reindeer, and even the tradition that he brings toys to children.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    '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;

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    I remember hearing this poem as a little youngster. I would also read this to my daughter and nephews each year right before Christmas! It is a wonderful poem to share with your family!...

    Read complete story

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (4)

  3. Advertisement

  4. At Christmas

    Famous Poem

    Christmas is a time that seems to bring out the best in humanity, which famous poet Edgar Guest (1881-1959) captures in this poem. Christmas is a time of year that people are quicker to think of others above themselves, and they do not worry about the petty things that consume them throughout the year.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    A man is at his finest
    towards the finish of the year;
    He is almost what he should be
    when the Christmas season is here;

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    This poem by Edgar Guest touches my heart on so many levels! He speaks from his higher self, a heart-centered place which all of us are capable of living from and not just at Christmas time. ...

    Read complete story

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)

  5. Christmas Bells

    Famous Poem

    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write this poem in 1863 during the Civil War when his son went off to fight for the Union against his wishes. While this song is about Christmas time, there is an underlying tone of the war (The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail). This poem is the basis for the Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    Analysis of Form and Technique

    I heard the bells on Christmas Day
    Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    It's wonderful. I love how he added that he believes in God. Best poem ever.

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)

  6. Advertisement

  7. Christmas Carol

    Famous Poem

    Sara Teasdale recounts the birth of Jesus and all who came to visit him. Some were wealthy, while others were poor. Some resided on Earth, while others came from heaven. All came to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Sara Teasdale was an American poet born in Missouri on August 8, 1884. She had six collections of poetry published during her lifetime and one published posthumously.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    The kings they came from out the south,
    All dressed in ermine fine;
    They bore Him gold and chrysoprase,
    And gifts of precious wine.

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    No Stories yet, You can be the first!

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)

  8. The Holy Night

    Famous Poem

    Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an English poet who lived from 1806-1861. Her first book of poems was published privately by her father at the age of 14. She was a Christian who taught herself Greek and Hebrew so she could better study the Bible, and this poem has religious roots in the retelling of Christ’s birth.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    We sate among the stalls at Bethlehem;
    The dumb kine from their fodder turning them,
    Softened their horned faces
    To almost human gazes

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    No Stories yet, You can be the first!

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)

  9. Star Of The East

    Famous Poem

    In this poem, famous poet Eugene Field (1850-1895) shares the hope of Christmastime. It starts with a short retelling of the Christmas story. Then it moves to an invitation for the reader to be like the wise men and lay their hearts and gifts before the Child of Bethlehem.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    Star of the East, that long ago
    Brought wise men on their way
    Where, angels singing to and fro,
    The Child of Bethlehem lay—

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    No Stories yet, You can be the first!

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)

  10. Minstrels

    Famous Poem

    In this famous narrative poem, William Wordsworth (1770-1850), recounts a Christmas tradition. Minstrels would travel door to door, playing music and providing wishes for a great Christmas season. In true Wordsworth fashion, this poem highlights the natural elements of the night. He uses descriptive language such as lofty moon, encircling laurels, and dazzling sheen.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    The minstrels played their Christmas tune
    To-night beneath my cottage-eaves;
    While, smitten by a lofty moon,
    The encircling laurels, thick with leaves,

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    No Stories yet, You can be the first!

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)

  11. Kriss Kringle

    Famous Poem

    Filling stockings at Christmastime is one of the traditions of Santa Claus. In this cute holiday poem, he also leaves a sweet surprise for the birds, a surprise to be enjoyed by everyone on Christmas morning. Thomas Bailey Aldrich (1836-1907) wrote short stories, novels, and poems. He liked to use unexpected endings in his short stories.

    in Famous Holiday Poems

    Just as the moon was fading
    Amid her misty rings,
    And every stocking was stuffed
    With childhood’s precious things,

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    Featured Shared Story

    No Stories yet, You can be the first!

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)

Advertisement

Advertisement

1 - 9 of 9

Back to Top