Since it was first published  in 1823, the poem The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, has enchanted people for generations. It was the very first book that my son Nick, born at Christmastime, was given by his grandma, and remains today a treasured little book in our family.

‘Twas the night before Christmas

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung

by the chimney with care,

in hopes that St. Nicholas

soon would be there;

Moore was an American Professor of Literature who lived in New York City. Originally, he had not wanted to be connected to such an ‘unscholarly’ verse, given his academic reputation. However, in 1844 he acknowledged authorship at the insistence of his children, for whom he had originally written the piece, and for which he is now most remembered.  A case of incidental fame!

Clement Clarke Moore, Source: Wikimedia

In the poem, Moore paints a picture of the jolly little elf, St Nicholas, exhibiting many of the qualities we incidentally, attribute today to people engaged in their work and vocation – enthusiastic, organised, focussed, nuanced, skilled, generous, committed and amiable.

He spoke not a word, 

but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings;

then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger

aside of his nose

And giving a nod,

up the chimney he rose.

From everyone here at CareerActually, our warmest wishes go out to our followers and readers for a wonderful holiday break. Thanks for all your support this year.

We are taking a short break as well, and look forward to being back early in 2015 with new resources and posts to help you to advance your brilliant careers both incidentally and intentionally.

Until then, enjoy and look after yourselves!

Carole