This Is What People Around The World Leave Out For Santa And We Just Can't

Santa is a busy man. With thousands of stockings to fill on Christmas day, he needs to have enough energy to get all around the world in a single night without stopping for a break. Luckily, kind children in many countries leave him a snack to say thank you for their presents. While the food offered may change, the generosity and faith in a magical, kind being is consistent everywhere around the world.

UK

Santa gets a mince pie and a tot of sherry to keep him warm while he’s delivering gifts in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; there’s nothing like some alcohol to keep you warm. Rudolph gets a carrot.

Ireland

Keeping consistent with the theme of alcohol, Santa is left a Guinness in Ireland. He’ll definitely be warm as he crosses over to…

France

Santa can expect a biscuit from French children, and more carrots for his reindeer. They leave these presents in their shoes and in return, Santa fills them with toys and sweets.

Germany

Santa gets a break from the sweet stuff while in Germany. Instead, children write him letters thanking him in advance for their presents. In the morning, they find that gifts have been left in their place.

The Netherlands

The thoughtful children in this country worry about Santa’s horse (yes, horse) so leave them hay, carrots and water to keep them going through the night. In return, they’re left hot chocolate, oranges, marzipan and chocolate coins.

Sweden

Caffeine helps Santa get around the world faster

To keep Santa awake after all that sugar, and to keep him warm during the cold night, Swedish kids leave him out a cup of hot, delicious coffee.

Denmark

Rice pudding is sure to keep Santa going on a cold night

Santa might need to sit down for a second to eat this offering. Risengrod, or Danish rice pudding with cinnamon, is left for him in Denmark. Danish tradition says that Santa travels with two elves, Nisser and Tomte, who will cause mischief if the bowl of risengrod isn’t there.

America

Cookies and milk await Santa as he makes his way across the pond. From chocolate chip to gingerbread, he can expect to encouter many different cookie varieties. Carrots and oats are left out for his trusty reindeer.

Chile

Pan de pascua will be waiting for Santa here. It’s a rich sponge cake with rum, dried fruit and nuts.

Argentina

To keep Santa’s reindeer flying hard, hay and water are left out for them in Argentina.

Australia

They don’t mess around Down Under. Santa gets a nice, cold beer from Aussie kids. Refreshing and energising!

About the author

Alice Johnston

Food Editor

Alice is always planning her next meal. She studied English at the University of Bristol before getting her Master’s in newspaper journalism from City University London. She worked on Femail at Mail Online for 18 months writing about lifestyle and food and has also worked at Metro.co.uk, The Guardian, Mumsnet and The Sun. After starting at Culture Trip as a Social Content Producer writing travel and lifestyle stories, she was promoted to the role of Food Editor and now specialises in culinary culture, trends and social issues around food. When she’s not writing, eating or travelling, she can be found cooking overly elaborate dinners, reading cookbooks in bed or playing with her cat, Orlando. Her favourite foods include fishfinger sandwiches, burnt caramel panna cotta, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and oysters.