"A Visit from St. Nicholas", also known as "The Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" from the first line in the poem, was published anonymously in 1823.The poem has been called "the best-known verses ever written by an American" and is largely responsible for the conception of Santa Claus from the time the poem was introduced to the public to today, including his physical appearance, his mode of transportation, the number and names of his reindeer, as well as the tradition that he brings toys to children on Christmas Eve.