There was little I was more excited about than leaving cookies and a letter out for Santa. Ok, well, maybe the presents, but the cookies were a very close second. I spent hours pouring over what to ask him in the letter and what his favorite cookie might be. I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a combination of chocolate chip and sugar cookies. And of course, a few carrots for those hard-working reindeer.While Americans are all about leaving cookies (Oreos are the most popular) and milk for Santa, what are the other children around the world leaving out for Santa?
Belgium – Forget the sleigh, in Belgium, Santa comes to town on a horse. To keep his horse fueled and ready to haul all of those presents, children leave hay, carrots and water outside of their houses.
Denmark – In Denmark, the tradition surrounds a mischievous elf named Nisse. It’s believed that he enjoys playing jokes during the holidays, so to keep the pranks at a minimum, families leave a bowl of rice pudding out on Christmas Eve.
Britain – Santa gets treated like a king in Britain. Children leave out a slice of mince pie and a glass of brandy. Just no drinking and sleighing, Santa!
Ireland – Similar to Britain, Santa gets a glass of alcohol, but in Ireland, it’s Guinness. On the side, they leave Christmas pudding or mince pie and a carrot for the reindeer.
Sweden – Although times are changing, traditionally, Swedes don’t leave cookies out for Santa. Instead, they leave rice porridge out for a jolly gnome named Farm-Tomte.
Whatever your tradition, set your treats out for Santa in our collectable Santa Cookie Jar.