The origin of leaving snacks for Santa is a bit fuzzy. Some say it started in Norway in the 1600s when children would place a bowl of porridge on the windowsill and leave out a slice of bread with butter and sugar on top. Others say that the tradition comes from Germany or Scandinavia, where parents would leave a small bowl of milk, honey, or pudding on Christmas Eve to welcome St. Nicholas.
Regardless of where it came from, the tradition of leaving snacks for Santa became popular in America during the 19th century, where it evolved into the tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Some families continue this tradition today, while others have expanded it to include a personal note and foods like fruitcakes or gingerbread men.
Here are some of the snacks that Santa enjoys most:
1. Candy
The classic candy cane is a staple at Christmas and is an easy way to make your home smell like the holidays. Candy canes are also a great snack for Santa to eat while he’s out on his rounds.
2. Hot Cocoa Mix
Hot chocolate is another classic Christmas treat kids leave that can help keep Santa warm as he travels around the globe. He’ll also appreciate that it will help ward off any colds or coughs that might be bothering him at this time of year.
3. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men are another favorite treat during the holiday season, but they’re not just for kids! Adults love them too, so leave them out if Santa stops by for a bite on his way home from delivering presents with his reindeer.
4. Crispy Wafer
A wafer is a thin, crisp pastry made from sugar or starch syrup. They’re often used in desserts such as ice cream cones and other frozen desserts, though they can also be eaten alone as a snack or with coffee or tea. Santa loves wafers because they are crispy and easy to carry around in his bag of gifts.
5. Pretzels
Santa loves pretzels because they’re salty and crunchy — just like him! Pretzels are also easy to eat, and don’t leave crumbs behind if Santa needs to take them on the road with him. Plus, you can always add some cheese sauce or dip them in chocolate for extra flavor.
6. Carrots
Santa loves carrots because they’re healthy and make great stir sticks for his milk. The crunchy texture helps him clean his milk mustache after each sip.
7. Coffee
Santa Claus is also known for his love of coffee. He drinks it every morning with a little cream and sugar to keep up his energy level during the Christmas season. The elves make sure that Santa has plenty of coffee in his workshop to enjoy at least one cup per day. They ensure there are enough mugs for everyone so Santa can enjoy a cup with his friends when they visit him during the holidays.
8. Milk
Santa loves a glass of milk at bedtime. But he doesn’t just love milk; he also loves drinking milk out of a coffee mug or tea cup. If you want to give Santa something special, make sure it’s a hot drink in a coffee mug or tea cup.
9. Minty Mints
When Santa gets tired of eating carrots, he likes to freshen up with some minty mints. These mints have a cooling effect that helps refresh his breath after all those cookies he’s eating!
10. Mince Pies
Santa loves his snacks and is always on the lookout for a good pie! He loves apple, cherry, blueberry, and peach pies, but sometimes he’ll make an exception for pumpkin-filled pie. If you’re making a pie for Santa, remember to leave out a plate with a slice of your tasty creation so he can enjoy it after his long night of delivering gifts worldwide.
11. Dried Fruits
Sugar plums have been known to dance in Santa’s head as he works through the night delivering toys to children. This might explain why he likes dried fruit so much! Dried fruits are naturally sweet and come in various flavors, from apricots to raisins, so there’s something for everyone on your list this year! They are also a healthy alternative that provides a natural energy boost without the crash from eating sugary foods like cookies or candy canes.
12. Beer
Santa loves a cold glass of beer and drinks it all year. He often has a beer in his hand while he’s delivering presents to children on Christmas Eve. As a trivia, he drinks a glass of beer every night before he falls asleep in his sleigh so that he’ll be well rested when it’s time to deliver presents!
13. Leaf Bread
Leaf bread is a classic holiday treat, but this recipe adds festive flair with red and green peppermint candies. The peppermint gives the bread a sweet-and-salty taste that will satisfy Santa’s sweet tooth.
14. Pan de Pascua
This bread is traditionally served on Easter Sunday with an egg inside. It’s sweet and delicious, but it isn’t something your kid would want. If you want to give Santa something sweet and delicious, this is it!
15. Rice Pudding
This simple holiday recipe can be made in a jiffy on a Christmas night. It has only three ingredients — rice, milk, and sugar — but it tastes great! You can add raisins or nuts to make it more nutritious.
Surely Santa will love all these treats and drops off little something for you too!
Leave a Reply