Famous Christmas Poems
Classic Christmas poems cherished through generations to inspire and uplift you for the season.
Updated November 17, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
Find poems that were written many years ago but are still recited today. These Christmas poems are ones that people share each and every Christmas. We hope they inspire you this season.
Famous Poems of Christmas Joy and Cheer
Celebrate the joy and excitement that Christmas brings, capturing the season’s cheerful spirit.
Christmas Time
Poet: Arthur Franklin Fuller
Hurrah — it's Christmas-time again!
The time of crispy weather;
Ah, Love and Cheer are captains then,
And dear ones get together;
Let go the real and fancied grudge —
The tomahawk go bury;
We're all in debt to one great Judge,
So let's be good — and merry.
Lay every grievance on the shelf.
And keep the circle growing;
Who hates his neighbor, harms himself-
We'll reap from what we're sowing;
Decide to do somebody, good —
Just let the grouchy pester;
Enjoy this Christmas as you should,
And be a jolly jester.
Let holly from the curtains swing —
Have mistletoe in plenty;
Break up your wrinkles — laugh and sing —
Make old folks act like twenty;
An innocent kiss will work no ill,
Though cheeks blush like a cherry;
Make some sad heart with pleasure thrill —
It's Christmas-time — be merry!
If fortune hasn't smiled on you,
And you can't give one present,
Brush up your seedy clothes and do
Your best at being pleasant;
Though Christmas finds you wandered far
Away from kindred's bevy,
Don't let hard times your spirits mar —
Let mails with Love be heavy.
Now when you get to feeling good,
Be gentle as a rabbit —
Retain your Christmas smile and cheer,
Until you get the habit;
Just let your war-tools rust and rot —
Though worldlings think you flappy —
A grudge gets even when forgot!
It's Christmas-time — be happy!
Funny Christmas Poems
Christmas Day
Poet: John Kendrick Bangs
A day of respite, this;
A day of purest bliss
Wherein in love to plan
Good-will to Man.
A festival of Joys
Wherein no thing annoys;
A time of cheer and mirth.
And Peace on Earth.
A time for smiles and play,
And yet withal a day
For thoughtful deeds, and good,
Of Brotherhood.
A day for sunny rifts,
A day for loving gifts;
For Kindness bounteous
God gave it us.
Related: Christmas Poems
Key Reflections:
These poems highlight two key ideas about the Christmas spirit:-
Letting Go and Enjoying Cheer
Both poets encourage people to set aside past grudges and embrace joy during Christmas. Fuller suggests finding happiness by forgiving and spreading cheer, while Bangs emphasizes that peace and happiness are central to the holiday.
-
Sharing Kindness and Goodwill
Each poem stresses the importance of spreading kindness to others. Fuller suggests being pleasant and making others happy, while Bangs views Christmas as a day for generosity and unity. Both poems capture how kindness and goodwill help make Christmas special.
Famous Poems Celebrating Faith and Love at Christmas
Reflect on the love and faith that inspire us all during Christmas.
Christmas Is A Blessing
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Christmas is a blessing
sent from God above.
He sent His only Son,
to show His true love.
We can be a blessing
to others at Christmas time.
By helping others who are
having a difficult climb.
Sharing what we have,
giving just a bit more
Is what love and
what Christmas is for.
Love Came Down at Christmas
Poet: Christina Rossetti
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign
Christmas Poems About Love
Glory Be To God On High
Poet: Eloise A. Skimings
The angels are fluttering their beautiful wings
O'er Jesus the Infant, the mighty King of Kings,
While on the wintry air the joyful welcome rings,
Glory be to God on High.
'Tis Christmas day, fond hearts are filled with emotion,
Thanking God for this hallowed day of devotion,
While Christmas lays rejoice from ocean to ocean,
Glory be to God on high,
Sadden'd hearts rejoice, tho' tears from fond eyes stream.
Golden hair and blue eyes, of his coming dream;
Raven locks and black orbs, with their gladness beam.
Glory be to God on high.
Then let us all rejoice this merry Christmas day;
Those who have gone before would now no longer stay,
They are around the Throne, singing this joyous lay,
Glory be to God on high.
Related: Christian Christmas Poems
Key Reflections:
These Christmas poems bring forward two main reflections about the holiday:
-
Celebrating Divine Love
Christmas is shown as a time to honor God’s love, symbolized by the birth of Jesus. It encourages a spirit of worship, gratitude, and devotion to God, recognizing the holiday as a sacred occasion to feel connected to His love.
-
Giving and Helping Others
Another reflection is on sharing kindness and compassion with others. Christmas is a time to go beyond ourselves by supporting those who may be struggling and showing love to everyone around us. This captures the heart of the holiday as a season of generosity and caring for others.
Classic Poems on the Spirit of Christmas
Timeless verses that remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Keeping Christmas
Poet: Henry VanDyke
Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people.
And to remember what other people have done for you;
To ignore what the world owes you,
And to think what you owe the world;...
And to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe,
And look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness -
Are you willing to do these things even for a day?
Then you can keep Christmas.
Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world -
Stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death -
And that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago
Is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love?
Then you can keep Christmas.
And if you keep it for a day,
Why not always?
But you can never
Keep it alone.
Related: Christmas Messages
Christmas Verses
Popular Pages:
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Christmas Joy Poems - Discover poems that fill your heart with Christmas joy and remind you to smile and celebrate the season.
Christmas Blessings - Share a blessing today and let these Christmas poems inspire kindness and love in your heart and home.
What Is Christmas Poems - Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas with poems that speak to the wonder and beauty of this special time.
Christmas Poems Twas The Night Before - Step back into Christmas Eve with poems that capture the magic and excitement of that wonderful night.
Christmas Bible Verses - Find comfort and hope in Bible verses that remind us of the true gift of Christmas, God’s love for all.
Famous Poets - Explore the words of poets who have touched hearts for generations and let their wisdom inspire your days.
Famous New Year Poems - As a new year begins, these poems offer hope and a fresh start, reminding us to look ahead with faith.
Famous Thanksgiving Poems - Celebrate gratitude with poems that remind us of our blessings and encourage a thankful heart every day.
Famous Poems About Life - Be encouraged by poems that offer wisdom and insight for living with purpose, kindness, and hope.
Conclusion
We hope these famous Christmas poems stir the Christmas spirit within you and bring warmth to your heart. As you reflect on these timeless words, may you feel the peace and joy that Christmas brings. Share these poems with someone you love, and let their simple yet powerful messages brighten your season. May the love of Christ, the gift of giving, and the joy of togetherness fill your home today and throughout the year. Let the words of these poets remind you to hold onto the magic of Christmas, not just for a moment, but always.
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