Description

Many Americans are familiar with Clement C. Moore's poem "The Night Before Christmas." The rhyme has inspired many of the traditional images we now associate with the holiday season: a jolly St. Nick with a bag full of toys who rides through the night air in a sleigh. As the holiday spread from country to country, people began to adapt their own customs to this celebration of peace and goodwill towards men. Pelican believes in that universal message and is intent on providing cultural versions of this popular story. The following narratives feature two of these adaptations, transforming Santa and his reindeer so their adventure takes on elements of two distinctive cultures.

Told in the rich, deep voice of Sibusiso Victor Masondo, The Night Before Christmas in Africa captures the essence of Africa. The tale is brought to life with the sounds of thunder as lightning flashes across the sky and Father Christmas calls out, "Iba nokisimusi omuhle." Following the story are traditional African songs performed by the Sparrow Schools Choir.

In Gullah Night Before Christmas, the classic poem comes to life, infused with the spirit of traditional Gullah folklore and characters. Traveling through a coastal South Carolina town, Buh Rabbit delivers his presents to all of the good boys and girls. Santa never contends with a villain as he makes his rounds; however, following Gullah tradition, Buh Fox has his mouth set on rabbit for dinner and his eyes set on the presents. The result is an action-filled Christmas Eve that children will never forget.