The anticipation of Santa coming down the chimney, or for most of us today, through the front door, makes it hard putting the kids to bed. But there’s one thing they must do before they get to sleep: leave Santa something in return for the special gift they are expecting to receive.
This isn’t just important for your sneaky midnight snack, but to teach the kids gratitude. If they’re lucky enough to be getting a special present on Christmas day, they should give something in return.
While movies show that typically this is a glass of milk and a biscuit, this isn’t the tradition everywhere in the world. Different countries do things differently. While some leave something for Santa, others think about his reindeer or horse and others will celebrate this tradition on a completely different date. Let’s travel around the world to see what people are doing in other countries.
Australia
In the land down under you’ll find your typical milk and cookies. But remember December is one of the hottest months in Australia. More often than not, people will leave Santa a glass of lemonade or a nice cold beer. Also, considering that stockings are a little too warm for summer (and perhaps a little small), children will leave out their pillow case hoping it will be filled with presents in the morning.
South Africa
Still in the hot southern hemisphere, the South Africans like to leave Santa a mini feast. On the dining table Santa can find a South African platter with vetkoek (deep-fried dough bread) and mince sliders, chopped boerewors (South African sausage), meatballs and a special chutney dip. He’s sure to be one happy man after South Africa.
Netherlands
Here the celebrations start a little earlier. The 6th of December is the feast day of Saint Nicholas, known as Sinterklaas, in Dutch. On this day Sinterklaas mounts his horse and delivers presents to everyone in the country. Children will fill their shoes with hay and carrots so that Sinterklaas’ horse has enough energy to continue his journey.
Italy
Italy also celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas. On the 6th of December children leave a small wish list for Saint Nicholas with the promise of good behaviour. Then again on the 6th of January, children will get a visit from the good witch Befana. Supposedly she was meant to visit baby Jesus with the Three Kings, but declined because of her chores. So now she spends this day visiting all the children of Italy to deliver them presents. She is welcomed with Italy’s traditional Christmas cake, the panettone.
Colombia
With Christmas Day focusing on the birth of Baby Jesus, Colombians don’t receive presents until the 6th of January. On this day, according to the bible, the Three Kings bring gifts to Baby Jesus. Children will leave out a filling empanada and a glass of juice to thank them for their journey.
Perú
Arriving in Perú, Santa will find a line of shoes at the front door and a small note from the children. Reading the note, which is usually a wish list of what they expect, Santa will leave his present inside the children’s shoes.
It is truly heart-warming to discover the diverse ways in which the spirit of Christmas and the tradition of children requesting and receiving gifts is celebrated around the world. No matter what day it is, what treats are left out or the type of gifts received the end result is the same. Pure Christmas joy!