What children around the world leave out for Santa
The festive season is here and children across the globe will be preparing for a visit from Santa Claus.
The team at WinstonsBeds.com have looked into Christmas traditions from around the world to find out what children leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
While children in the UK leave out cookies and milk for Santa, children in countries such as Germany and Netherlands tend to leave out their shoes for St Nicholas on December 5th instead.
Rebecca Swain from WinstonsBeds.com said: “Christmas is approaching and on the eve children across the world will be leaving out treats before bed in the hope of waking up to a room filled with presents.
“Whilst children in the UK leave out cookies and milk for Santa Claus, there are plenty of other traditions across the globe.
“For example some countries have more of a focus on St Nicholas’ day where children will often leave out their cleanest pair of shoes before heading to sleep in the hopes that they’ll be waking up to gifts.
“And in Spain children await the arrival of the Three Kings by leaving out a letter and some snacks for their camels.”
What children around the world leave out for Santa:
UK
On Christmas Eve children in the UK will often leave out cookies and milk for Santa and even carrots for his beloved reindeer including Rudolph. Mince pies are also a popular food choice to leave out for Santa.
Germany
On the 5th December, the eve of St Nicholas Day, children will leave their shoes and boots outside before going to bed in the hopes that they will be filled with sweet treats and toys by morning. They also leave hay and carrots for St Nicholas’ donkey.
France
Children in France also leave their shoes out on Christmas Eve instead of stockings. They place them under the tree or by the fireplace ready to be filled with presents. They also leave carrots or hot water out for Père Noël (Father Christmas).
Spain
Christmas in Spain traditionally lasts until the 6th of January and on the night before children get ready for the arrival of Reyes Magos, the Three Kings. They leave out their clean and sparkling shoes with a letter to their favourite king alongside some snacks for their camels such as bread, milk and grass.
Sweden
While awaiting the arrival of Jultomte (Santa Claus or Christmas gnome) Swedish children will often leave out a bowl of porridge or rice pudding before going to bed and instead of coming down the chimney, Jultomte enters through the front door.
Netherlands
Despite Christmas being widely celebrated on the 25th and 26th December, the most exciting day for children is St Nicholas Day. On the evening of December 5th, Sinterklaas will arrive with presents. Children will often leave water and carrots for his horse along with a small drawing.
