Jolly Old Saint Nicholas—The Story

A child whispers a wish to Saint Nicholas, hoping kindness finds its way back on Christmas Eve.

A child waited quietly for Saint Nicholas, listening to the soft sounds of the night. He leaned closer to the window, hoping to catch the first sign that the old gift-giver was near.

He whispered into the air, almost like Saint Nicholas could hear him already. He told him he didn’t want something that would impress anyone else. He only wanted a simple gift—something small but chosen just for him.

He thought about the others in the house.

One child wanted a storybook.
Another wished for a pair of skates.
Someone else hoped for a small toy that made noise.

The boy smiled as he imagined Saint Nicholas reading all these wishes and sorting them in his mind. He trusted that the old man remembered everything, even the smallest request.

The room grew quiet. The child lay down, knowing he needed to fall asleep before Saint Nicholas arrived. He closed his eyes with a light, hopeful feeling, certain that by morning, the gift meant for him would be waiting.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Its wording has been attributed to Benjamin Hanby, Emily Huntington Miller, and John Piersol McCaskey. It is believed to have been written in the mid to late 19th century.

⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ

Merely Christmas • Darem Placer
Out this season on Bandcamp.