Jolly old saint Nicholas

This is the original published song in 1881:

 

Jolly old Saint Nicholas

Lean your ear this way;

Don't you tell a single soul

What I'm going to say,

Christmas Eve is coming soon;

Now you dear old man,

Whisper what you'll bring to me;

Tell me if you can.

​

When the clock is striking twelve,

When I'm fast asleep,

Down the chimney broad and black

With your pack you'll creep;

All the stockings you will find

Hanging in a row;

Mine will be the shortest one;

You'll be sure to know.

​

Johnny wants a pair of skates;

Susy wants a sled

Nellie wants a picture book,

Yellow Green and Red

Now I think I'll leave to you

what to give the rest;

Choose for me, dear Santa Claus,

What you think is best.