A Classic Children's Book Bound in Bonded Leather to Last a Lifetime. Wonderful new version of the classic poem every family should own. An oversized heirloom edition with a four-page gatefold. Since it was first published anonymously in 1823, "The Night Before Christmas" has enchanted children with the story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh. Many families read the poem every year, and now they have an edition to treasure.