Watch The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas is a 1905 movie directed by Edwin S. Porter and released by the Edison Studios. The movie is a short, black and white silent film, based on the popular holiday poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' by Clement Clarke Moore. The movie opens with a shot of a sleeping family, all cozy and nestled in their beds, with the fireplace aglow in the background. Suddenly, Santa Claus himself appears in the room, his large belly jiggling as he chuckles softly to himself. He then proceeds to fill the stockings hung on the mantle with toys and candy, while the children remain sound asleep.

As Santa Claus stumbles back up the chimney, we see a close-up of a clock, the hands ticking to midnight. The scene then shifts to Santa Claus' workshop, where his elves are hard at work, making toys for all the good little boys and girls. There are scenes of the elves sawing, hammering, painting, and stitching, all under the watchful eye of Santa Claus himself.

Next, we see Santa Claus and his reindeer, preparing to deliver all the gifts. The reindeer are harnessed to the sleigh, and Santa Claus climbs aboard, cracking his whip to set them in motion. The sleigh takes off, with Santa Claus and his reindeer flying over snow-covered rooftops, delivering gifts to all the homes in sight.

As the journey continues, we see Santa Claus leaving presents under Christmas trees, putting candy in stockings, and even giving gifts to the animals in the barnyard. The reindeer continue to fly across the countryside, until the sun begins to rise, signaling the end of their journey.

As the day dawns, Santa Claus makes his way back to the North Pole, where he is welcomed with cheers and congratulations from the other elves. The movie ends with Santa Claus waving goodbye to his happy helpers and returning to his own home, just as the family from the opening scene wakes up to the joy of Christmas morning.

The Night Before Christmas is a delightful holiday short that captures the magic and wonder of the season. While the special effects may seem primitive by today's standards, they were groundbreaking for their time, and the movie remains a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the pioneers of cinema.

Overall, The Night Before Christmas is a charming film that serves as a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is about generosity, wonder, and joy. It is no wonder that this classic has stood the test of time, captivating audiences for over a century.