What should Santa expect as a Christmas Eve snack?
As Santa prepares for his annual flight with his reindeer, what Christmas Eve snack might he expect to find? Hopefully, you didn’t break the holiday tradition.
Every family has a tradition for the annual Santa Christmas Eve snack. Traditionally, the majority of people leave milk and cookies for Santa. Those cookies can be the ever popular Oreos or some homemade treats. But, where did the idea of leaving milk and cookies come from?
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
In the U.S., the idea of leaving milk and cookies really began during the Great Depression. During those hard times, parents wanted to teach children the importance of giving back to others. Leaving the special treat of milk and cookies for Santa was intended to be a life lesson to children.
Although the custom could be twisted into a sweet bribe, the intent was to be hospitable. Even when families are calorie conscious, Santa always seems to get some type of holiday treat. Somehow Santa doesn’t care about calories or waistlines during the holiday season.
Although the milk and cookies custom might be an American norm, several other countries leave Santa some type of Christmas Eve snack. Many countries have preferred snacks based on cultural favorite foods. For example, British children leave Santa sherry and mince pies. French children leave wine and Swedish children leave rice porridge.
Even though Santa might like those sweet treats or a glass of wine, have you ever wonder why Santa doesn’t get in trouble for not doing the dishes? Who hasn’t run down to see the empty plate and glass sitting on the table.
If the kids had left dirty dishes on the table couldn’t that be grounds for being on the naughty list? Sure, Santa gets some slack because it is his busy night. Still, it is best not to leave that dirty dish and cup sitting around too long on Christmas morning. After all, Santa is always watching.
What will you be leaving Santa as a Christmas Eve snack this year?