“Unveiling the Secrets: What Hidden Truths Define the Legendary Christmas Poem?”

Have you ever wondered who really wrote one of the most beloved holiday poems, “A Visit from St. Nicholas”? It’s mind-boggling that more than 200 years after it was published in a New York newspaper, the true author remains shrouded in mystery! Initially released on December 23, 1823, with no name attached, the poem later became linked to Clement Clarke Moore, a professor who supposedly penned it for his children. But wait—there’s a twist! The descendants of Henry Livingston, Jr. assert that he had been sharing this tale of Santa with his family well before it ever graced the newspaper. What do we know for sure in this poetic tug-of-war? It’s a battle for the ages with arguments, evidence, and some questionable housekeeper antics! So, who gets the holiday credit? Buckle up and get ready to dive deep into this quirky historical labyrinth of Christmas lore! [LEARN MORE](https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/26719/mystery-behind-worlds-most-famous-christmas-poem?utm_source=RSS)

More than 200 years after “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was published in New York’s Troy Sentinel, we still don’t know who really wrote it.

When it first appeared in the newspaper on December 23, 1823, there was no author attached. It wasn’t until 13 years later that Clement Clarke Moore, a professor at New York City’s General Theological Seminary, was named as the poet. A story emerged that a housekeeper, without Moore’s knowledge, had sent the piece—which he had written for his kids—to the newspaper, and in 1844, the poem was officially included in an anthology of Moore’s work.