As the wintry night draws near and the aroma of cinnamon and pine fills the air, the enchantment of Christmas Eve captivates hearts worldwide. It's a time when cherished traditions come alive, weaving a tapestry of warmth, joy, and anticipation. Amidst the plethora of customs that make this eve special, one tradition stands out in its pure, magical essence - the delightful act of leaving out a plate of goodies for Santa Claus.
Christmas Eve is one of my favourite days - the excitement is at its peak and all the preparations are done. It's a day for spending with family and embracing those traditions that we ourselves partook in when we were children.
Every Christmas Eve we wake up to an Elf delivery of a Christmas Eve bag - filled with Christmas Pyjamas, a book, a festive DVD and some chocolates. The idea is that we snuggle up together in the evenings in our PJs to enjoy a Christmas food and eat the chocolates.
We tend to have a slow day, and lunch out somewhere locally, and then we head to church to watch the crib service in the afternoon.
After the crib service we are feeling really festive and full of Christmas spirit so we head home to get into those PJs and have our festive movie night.
Before bed we set out a plate of goodies for Santa - usually a mince pie or cookies, a glass of milk and a carrot for Rudolph of course! We then sprinkle reindeer food outside and head upstairs to read The Night Before Christmas all together.
Generations have embraced the tradition of setting out the sweet treats delivery for the jolly man in red as he embarks on his whirlwind journey around the world. The belief that Santa indulges in these offerings, replenishing his energy for the long night ahead, adds an extra touch of wonder to the festivities.
The ritual of leaving a plate out for Santa varies from household to household, but the essence remains unchanged - the act of expressing gratitude and spreading joy. Families come together to carefully select the treats that will grace Santa's plate. From freshly baked cookies, warm and fragrant from the oven, to a glass of cold milk, the offerings symbolize hospitality and the spirit of giving.
My children, and many others around the world eagerly participate in this tradition, meticulously arranging the goodies with the utmost care. The excitement of imagining Santa's delight upon discovering the treats left expressly for him fills the air with an infectious joy. It's not just about the act itself but the magic it brings, fostering a sense of generosity and wonder in young hearts.
The tradition of leaving goodies for Santa Claus transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences. While some leave cookies and milk, others offer regional delicacies or even carrots for Santa's faithful reindeer. Did you know that 63.4% give Santa milk, while 12% leave out a glass of brandy. Regardless of the specifics, the gesture embodies the universal values of kindness, gratitude, and generosity.
Moreover, this tradition serves as a beautiful way for families to come together, creating lasting memories. The act of preparing and arranging the treats becomes a shared experience, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity during this festive season.
As Christmas Eve draws near, the plate of goodies placed by the fireplace or beneath the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree stands as a testament to the anticipation and joy that this tradition brings. And when morning dawns and children rush to the spot where the treats were left, discovering crumbs and an empty glass, it reaffirms the magic of the season. I can remember feeling amazed to see that Santa had eaten his treats - it definitely ignites a real belief in magic.
In essence, the tradition of leaving goodies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is more than just an offering. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of Christmas - a time for love, giving, and embracing the enchantment of the season.
As we continue to uphold this cherished tradition, let us remember its significance goes beyond the act itself. It's a celebration of the joy of giving, the wonder of believing, and the warmth of family bonds that make Christmas Eve a truly magical time of the year.
Do you leave out a plate of goodies for Santa? I'd love to know what you traditionally leave out for him to enjoy!
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