Some of my most nostalgic childhood Christmas memories revolve around the build-up to Christmas Eve, when I would go to bed early to ensure I was fast asleep by the time Father Christmas came shooting down the chimney – but not before leaving out some Christmas Eve snacks for Santa and his reindeers, of course!
The time-old tradition of leaving out a Christmas treat for Santa Claus before bedtime is still going strong to this day. According to The Modern Milkman, 39% of us leave a mince pie for Santa, while 63.4% give santa milk, and 12% treat him to a glass of brandy. A further 33% leave a carrot for Santa’s reindeer too (always a must in my family!)
Have you thought about what Christmas Eve snacks you’ll be leaving out for Santa and his reindeer this year? Here are a few of my favourite ideas.
5 Christmas Eve snacks to leave out for Father Christmas
Cheese and crackers
No doubt Santa Claus will have lots of sweet treats to munch his way through during his Christmas Eve shift, so why not leave something savoury out for him instead?
You could rustle up a miniature version of my festive cheeseboard with a slice of cheese or two, some crackers and a seasonal chutney.
Shortbread stars
With 17% of us leaving out cookies for Santa Claus, mix things up and bake your own biscuits instead. Shortbread is a popular festive choice and my sugar-dusted shortbread stars are up there with the best Christmas Eve snacks (and not just for Santa!) 😉
Strawberry Santas
Santa’s bound to love these adorable little strawberry Santas. Made using only fresh strawberries, vanilla frosting or canned whipped cream, and chocolate chips or black icing gel, these strawberry Santas are both simple and fun to prepare – one of the best Christmas eve snacks for kids to help out with in the kitchen!
Nutella and Baileys brownies
Can you think of a more indulgent brownie combination for Christmas than Nutella and Baileys? I’m struggling, and I think Santa will be hard-pressed too. Make sure you save this Nutella and Baileys brownie recipe for Christmas Eve.
Team with a glass of Baileys for the ultimate festive snack to leave for Father Christmas this Christmas Eve.
Brussels sprout rarebit
My festive twist on classic Welsh rarebit is a sure-fire way to win Santa’s seal of approval this Christmas Eve. Plus, as it’s so quick, easy, and affordable to make, it’s a wonderful Christmas Eve snack for the whole family to enjoy.
These five festive snacks would be just the thing to leave out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve – and don’t forget to leave a carrot for Rudolph, too!
What are your favourite Christmas eve snacks to leave for Santa? Let me know by leaving a comment below, and I might add your suggestion to my list (with your permission and a credit, of course!)
can you leave juice or eggnog for him also
Yes sure, I don’t see why not! 😀