What to leave out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is one of the most fun dilemmas to think about out this festive season. In fact, that is what we love about Christmas, every family, country, and culture has its own Santa Claus traditions.
We find that even from region to region, and country to country, the Christmas Eve tradition of leaving out snacks for Father Christmas varies. And isn’t it fun to have a sneak peek at what everyone else is doing for our favourite man in red?
We asked a few of our friends what they leave out for Santa Claus and it was mostly a drink plus a snack.
The most common choices were either a glass of brandy, whisky, sherry, or milk for Santa.
Along with a mince pie, gingerbread, candy canes, or cookies.
Most kids leave a carrot for the reindeer.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on UnsplashHere is what children leave out for Santa around the world:
Argentina
Children in Argentina leave out hay and water for Santa’s reindeers to help keep them going with all those gifts to deliver.
Australia
Apparently kids in Australia leave a cold glass of beer. Probably to help with heat and its summer down under at this time of year. Plus he gets a slice of fruitcake.
Chile
Children in Chile treat Santa to Pan de Pascua, which is a sponge cake with fruit, ginger and honey.
Denmark
In Denmark, the kids leave out a lovely bowl of rice pudding with cinnamon called Risengrod.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on UnsplashEngland
Mince pies and sherry for Father Christmas, here in England. Although in recent years the sherry can be swapped for brandy, whisky, or an other alcoholic beverage.
France
French kids are leaving out delicious chocolate madeleine biscuits.
Germany
Kids in Germany write letters to Santa Claus thanking them for the presents he brings. What lovely manners!
Photo by SaveurIceland
Christmas lasts for 26 days and has 13 Santas in Iceland. Children leave out laufabradud which means leaf bread and is a kind of crispy wafer.
Ireland
Children in Ireland leave out a mince pie along with a pint of Guinness, an Irish favourite.
Italy
In Italy, children leave out a clementine for Santa and some hay for his horses (instead of reindeer)
Holland
In the Netherlands, children like to leave out carrots, hay and water for Santa’s horses (no reindeers over there).
Latvia
Children and adults recite a poem in front of the Christmas tree in order to earn a gift. Then the children leave out piparkukas, a spiced gingerbread cookie made with white pepper.
Sweden
Swedish kids thoughtfully leave out a cup of coffee for Father Christmas, which is pretty thoughtful given the long night he has ahead of him.
USA
American kids tend to choose milk and cookies for Santa.
What do YOU leave out for Christmas and which country are you from?
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