December 9, 2022

Santa's Milk and Cookies!

This Musings From Main is a Christmas collaboration, with the research and writing being done by Ye Olde Gingerbread Shoppe Manager, Cherish Lisee.  We hope you enjoy it!

The Legend of Santa's Milk and Cookies

How did the tradition of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa begin? The origin story of this tradition is just as mysterious as the original Old St. Nicholas himself.

Research into this sweet offering can lead you down a cookie-crumbled trail of traditions dating back to The Victorian Era, Norse Mythology, and the Great Depression.

The Victorian Era

In the middle of the 1800s, hospitality became a prominent theme in Victorian households. If you were a good host or hostess, you would want to present something to a visitor in your home. Having sugar and spices to make cookies was a luxurious treat when those ingredients were so expensive. Santa would be considered a visitor to indulge children and the growing concept of “childhood” during this era. The short story, Polly: A Before-Christmas Story from 1870 became one of the first literary references.

Norse Mythology

When you think of Norse Mythology, the traditions of cookies may not come to mind. Odin the God of War and protector of heroes was known as the All-Father of the essence of humankind. During The Midwinter Solstice celebration, families would leave offerings of food and drink to tempt Odin to bring peace to them. They may have also prepared hay for his noble steed, Sleipnir.

The Great Depression

During the hardships of The Great Depression, keeping up community spirits mattered the most. Giving gifts rather than receiving them became an important part of the holiday’s spirit and traditions. Hanging stocks by the fire may have been filled with gifts for Old St. Nick himself, instead of the other way around. Many parents continue to instill this tradition in their children today. Leaving out treats for Santa was also a way to thank him for his long journey.  Luckily, for Santa, he climbs a lot of chimneys to burn off all those calories.

Despite the history of this sweet tradition, it definitely can’t hurt to bribe Santa, especially if you aren’t sure where you fall on the Naughty or Nice List.

Sources used for this Musing are listed below.

Littlechild, Chris, The Norse Origins Of Santa’s Milk And Cookies, Ripley's Believe It or Not website, December 22, 2020, accessed December 6, 2022

Mohr, Kylie How Did Santa Get Hooked On Cookies And Milk?, NPR website, December 22, 2015, accessed December 6, 2022