For many, the most memorable part of the holidays involves creating and continuing family traditions. The memories we have of our favorite traditions last significantly longer than any gifts we receive during the holidays. Some of these traditions are so deeply ingrained in our holiday celebrations that we never even think about how they started in the first place. One of my favorite traditions, leaving cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve, is something that many of us enjoyed every year as children.
But what’s the history behind it?
The History Channel nods to several different places that may have started this cookie-leaving ritual. Initially, people believed that they needed to place their favorite treats in their stockings to greet Santa after he came down the chimney to leave gifts. During the Great Depression, when economic hardships hurt many Americans, leaving cookies for Santa became about the importance of giving to others and giving thanks for the things that we have.
However, others say traditions around the globe inspired this tasty Christmas tradition.
The Dutch hold a yearly Feast of St. Nicholas, during which they bake cookies to honor the saint and share them with travelers. That definitely sounds similar to the way we leave cookies for Santa (who’s also fondly known as St. Nick) in America!
We can also see the transformation of this fun holiday tradition in the types of cookies that people leave for Santa. These types of cookies can indicate the economic state of various countries and regions throughout the years. Some people used to leave out simple sugar or spice cookies that require minimal ingredients, especially during economic recessions or depressions. However, currently most Americans leave store-bought cookies, like Oreos, or homemade cookies with more ingredients, like chocolate chip cookies, for Santa. Perhaps that’s a sign that many families can now afford to buy or make more elaborate cookies than in the past.
Families often pair their Christmas cookies for Santa with some carrots for the reindeer. Carrots are also such a popular treat for Santa’s hooved helpers because some countries believe horses pull Santa’s sleigh, not reindeer. Although not every family leaves out carrots, it’s a fun way to recognize the special animals who help Santa pull his sleigh!
Although we may not think much about it, leaving cookies out for Santa is a long-time tradition with deep cultural routes. Whether you fondly remember this tradition from your childhood, introduce it to a new generation, or simply snag a few cookies for yourself as “Santa” each year, you’ll probably carry it in your heart for years to come.
What fun holiday traditions do you and your loved ones share? Do you know the stories behind them? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Photo by Valentina Dominguez on Unsplash.
