What to leave out for Santa and his reindeer
The short answer
In the US and Canada, families leave cookies and milk for Santa. In the UK and Ireland, it is a mince pie and a small glass of sherry or milk for Father Christmas. In Australia and New Zealand, it is often a cold drink or a biscuit. Almost everywhere, a carrot goes out for the reindeer.
By country
| Country | For Santa | For the reindeer |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Cookies and a glass of milk | Carrots, sometimes oats |
| Canada | Cookies and milk | Carrots |
| United Kingdom | A mince pie and sherry or milk | A carrot |
| Ireland | A mince pie and a glass of milk or Guinness | A carrot |
| Australia | A biscuit and a cold drink or milk | Carrots and a bowl of water |
| New Zealand | Biscuits or a slice of pie, with milk or a cold drink | Carrots |
Cookie ideas kids can make
- Classic chocolate chip
- Sugar cookies cut into stars and trees
- Gingerbread men (Santa likes to leave one leg)
- Peanut butter blossoms
For the reindeer
- One carrot per reindeer is a nice counting game. There are nine with Rudolph.
- A bowl of water on a warm night in Australia or New Zealand.
- Skip glitter "reindeer food". It is bad for birds and pets. Oats and a few dried cranberries are safer.
Make it a tradition
- Let the kids set the plate on Christmas Eve, right before bed.
- Add a short note or drawing for Santa.
- In the morning, leave crumbs, a bitten carrot and an empty glass. See 12 ways to leave proof that Santa visited.
Questions
What do people leave out for Father Christmas in the UK?
A mince pie and a small glass of sherry or milk, with a carrot for Rudolph.
Why do we leave cookies and milk for Santa?
The custom grew in the United States in the 1930s. Parents taught children to share and to say thank you for their gifts.
How many reindeer does Santa have?
Nine, counting Rudolph: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.
