Don’t Forget the Milk and Cookies! WHY DO WE LEAVE SNACKS FOR SANTA?
Many families with children participate in a popular Christmas tradition: leaving a tasty treat out for Santa. But how did this tradition come to be? Several theories have been created that try to answer why we leave milk and cookies out for St. Nick. The origins date back to ancient Norse mythology. During the Viking Age (790–1100 B.C.), many Scandinavian civilizations worshiped several Norse gods and deities. The god of war, Odin, is said to ride an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. During the Yule season (Christmas), children would leave food out for Sleipnir, hoping Odin would stop by and leave gifts. This tradition is still practiced today in Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Kids will place carrots and hay outside their homes for Sleipnir in exchange for gifts and sweet treats. It derived from the Great Depression. The tradition of leaving a snack out for Santa gained popularity in the 1930s. Because of families’ economic hardships during this time, many parents wanted to share the importance of gratitude. They wanted to teach their children how to be thankful for what they received for Christmas. So, to honor and thank Santa for traveling worldwide and
delivering presents, many kids began showing their thanks by leaving milk and cookies for him.
Several countries developed their own traditions.
Many countries worldwide have similar traditions that predate America. For example, British and Australian kids leave sherry and mince pies for Santa. Swedish children leave rice porridge, Germans write handwritten letters for Christkind, and French families fill a glass of wine for St. Nick and leave carrots for his donkey, Gui.
Despite not knowing where this tradition truly came from, it’s interesting to see how other cultures and families celebrate the holidays. Do you have any special Christmas traditions? We would love to hear your thoughts.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs
Ingredients
• 1 cup powdered sugar • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 3 tbsp softened butter • 1 lb white chocolate candy coating
Directions
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until evenly combined. 3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. 4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate candy coating in increments of 30 seconds, stirring occasionally until smooth. 5. In the same bowl, use skewers to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate before placing them on a lined cookie sheet so they can harden. 6. Chill until ready and then serve!
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