Through generations. One of the most beloved tales of Christmas,“A Visit from St. Nicholas”—better known by its opening line,“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house…”—holds a special place in both American holiday traditions and the Sackett family history. Join us as we explore the holiday history that connects our past to the present, celebrating the traditions that bring us together year after year.
Undoubtedly the most significant migration in the history of the Sackett family was that of Simon Sackett who emigrated from St.Peter in Thanet, Kent, England, to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in America around 1630. Simon Sackett, the colonist enjoys a pivotal position in the history of the Sacketts, establishing the Sackett name in America.
St. Nicholas, who was canonized by Pope Eugene IV on June 5, 1446 and later became known as the patron saint for children and sailors. Legends speak of his kindness and generosity.
The concept of Santa Claus largely came from the Dutch, who celebrated the spirit of St. Nicholas by exchanging gifts on the anniversary of his death.
The name Santa Claus comes from a Dutch nickname “Sinter Klaas” a shortened form of Saint Nikolaas, which is translated as the Dutch name for St. Nicholas.
Clement Clarke Moore, Simon’s 4th great-grandson, penned the poem: "A Visit from St. Nicholas" with the famous line "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." It was said he wrote this on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1822. This was first published anonymously in The Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1823. It was not until 1877 that Clement was finally credited as the author. Clement wrote this poem for his children, little did he know it would become cherished by children and adults alike for centuries.
With the publication of his poem, Clement Moore created this character of the portly man with the “jolly” and giving spirit, defining the embodiment and sparking the tradition of the version of Santa Claus we enjoy to this day! He coined the concept of the man spreading gifts and cheer with a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Over the years there has been different depictions of this character, but the modern day defining features originated from this poem!
Founded on a legacy of adventure and the pioneering spirit of the great American outdoors, Sackett Ranch is more than just a retailer—it's a gateway to the wild. Here, you'll find meticulously curated gear, apparel, and essentials, each selected for its quality, durability, and capacity to enrich your outdoor experiences. From the untamed trails of overlanding adventures to the serene moments of campsite tranquility, our collections are designed to accompany you through every chapter of your outdoor journey.
Through generations. One of the most beloved tales of Christmas,“A Visit from St. Nicholas”—better known by its opening line,“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house…”—holds a special place in both American holiday traditions and the Sackett family history. Join us as we explore the holiday history that connects our past to the present, celebrating the traditions that bring us together year after year.
The Sackett Who Spied for George Washington: A Legacy of Freedom
This Independence Day season we reflect on our freedoms and those that fought for them. Discover the story of Nathaniel Sackett, the Revolutionary War spy who helped shape U.S. intelligence serving under George Washington.
In a world full of fast and disposable, we’re standing behind gear that’s made to last—right here in the USA.
Every American-made product tells a story of craftsmanship, grit, and the communities they help support. From fire-starting kits packed by hand to speakers built in southern workshops, these aren’t just products. They’re part of something bigger.
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