Verse 1: Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way!
Don’t you tell a single soul, that I’m going to say;
Christmas Eve is coming soon, now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you’ll bring to me, tell me if you can.

Verse 2: When the clock is striking twelve, when I'm fast asleep,
Down the chimney broad and black, with your pack you'll creep;
All the stockings you will find hanging in a row;
Mine will be the shortest one, you'll be sure to know.

Verse 3: Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susie wants a dolly;
Nellie wants a story book; she thinks dolls are folly;
As for me, my little brain isn’t very bright;
Choose for me, old Santa Claus what you think is right.

Alternate Verse 3: Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susie wants a sled;
Nellie wants a picture book, yellow, blue, and red;
Now I think I'll leave to you what to give the rest;
Choose for me, dear Santa Claus; you will know the best.