the stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that st. nicolas soon would be there. the children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. and mama in her kerchief and i in my cap had just settled town for a long winter's nap. when out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, i strang from my bed to see what was the matter. away to a window i flew like a flash, threw gave a luster of midday to objects below. when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature

sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. with a little old driver so lively and quick, i knew in a moment it must be st. nick. more rapid than eagles and courses they came, he whistled and shouted and called them by name. now dasher, now dancer, now prancer and vixen, on comet and cupid, on donder and blitzen. to the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, dash away, dash away, dash away all. as wild as the hurricane fly when they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky. up to the house top the coursers they flew and a train full of toys and st. nicholas, too. and then in the twinkling i heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

as as i drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney st. nicholas came with a bow. he was dressed in all fur from his head to his foot and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. a bundle of toys he had flung on his back and he looked like a peddler, just opening his sack. s his dimples how merry, his cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. his little mouth was drawn up like a bow and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. he had a broad face and a round little belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. he was chubby and plump, a right

jolly old elf, and i laughed when i saw him in spite of myself. a pink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to note he had nothing to dread. he spoke not a word but went straight to work and filled all the stockings and turned with a jerk. and laying his finger beside his nose and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. he sprang to the sleigh and to his team gave a whistle and they all flew like a thistle and heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, merry christmas to all and to all a good night. ..

[applause] reading and entertainment. >> thank you for sharing that wonderful story of "twas the night before christmas." stories like this bring so much warmth and joy in this holiday season. we greatly appreciate your presence here today. >> of course, thank you. >> welcome back to children's national hospital. and thank you, mr. president. we never had a president join for four years in a row, straight. so you have set a record. [cheers and applause] dr. biden, president biden, thank you for your service to our country. we are so grateful to both of you. >> thank you. >> and thank you for continuing this 75-year tradition at children's national hospital. we wish you and your family a

very happy holiday season. pres. biden: thank you. we appreciate it. this is a tough time of year. it's going to get better. we've been here. and so keep going. you have to take care of yourself. our prayers and our thoughts are with you. [laughter] [applause] >> happy holidays. happy holidays, everyone. [applause]

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