The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Dashed through the door, and upon turning around,
Out of the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
His trousers were burning and his beard was aflame,
While rolling in the snow, he kept calling me names.

I tried to apologize, but he paid no attention,
He sprang to his sleigh, you could feel the tension.
And I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"It only takes one fool to ruin a good night!"