Australia. Australian children set out cookies for Santa, but instead of milk, they leave him an ice-cold glass of beer. After all, December is summer in the land Down Under. The children leave carrots for Santa's reindeer to munch on, too.
While milk and cookies are considered the norm in the US, around the world, kids are leaving Santa anything from beer to rice pudding. In Iceland, children believe that there are 13 completely different Santa-like figures who visit throughout December, which results in very different treats all month long.
Australia. Apparently kids in Australia leave a cold glass of beer. Probably to help with heat and its summer down under at this time of year. Plus he gets a slice of fruitcake.
Australia: Cold Beer
In the summer heat, it's tough to think of something less appetizing than a cup of milk. That's why down in the Southern Hemisphere, Aussies leave an ice-cold, refreshing beer for Santa to enjoy after his descent down the chimney.
The Christmas Eve tradition of leaving out a glass of cold milk and a saucer of biccies or mince pies for Santa, and a few crunchy carrots for Dasher and his crew, can add yet another touch of culinary magic to the traditions we follow around the holiday season.
Australia. Australian children set out cookies for Santa, but instead of milk, they leave him an ice-cold glass of beer. After all, December is summer in the land Down Under. The children leave carrots for Santa's reindeer to munch on, too.
Everyone knows that Santa's favorite way to wash down his plate of cookies is with a big glass of eggnog. This tradition has been around for decades, but have you ever asked yourself why? When did drinking this egg and milk concoction become a holiday tradition?
Traditional Santas wear bright red fleecy suits, lined with white fur and big black boots to fight off the northern winter. In Australia, it's summer at Christmas time so you're much more likely to see a boardshort wearing Santa on a surfboard.
British diplomat Andrew Overton notes that "British children will often leave out a mince pie and a nip of sherry to brace Father Christmas for the chill." In Ireland, things get jollier with a pint of Guinness (and that splash of whiskey that Mrs. Claus has ready when Santa gets home).
If you want to make sure you're on the good list and get plenty of great gifts from Santa, make sure to leave a treat for him. In New Zealand, it's traditional to leave Santa some pineapple chunks and his reindeer carrots. Probably a healthier choice than cookies and milk!
Some Australians hang wreaths on their front doors and some people will also go out Christmas carol singing on Christmas Eve. People also decorate their houses and gardens with Christmas Trees and Christmas lights. Neighbors sometimes have little competitions to see who has got the best light display.
Australians love to celebrate, and Christmas is no exception. As well as exchanging gifts, families tend to enjoy big lunches with all the trimmings. Since it's summer, barbecues and outdoor games such as cricket are popular. You will also find many Aussies around pools or at the beach.
Carols by Candlelight has been one of the most spectacular Christmas traditions in Australia since 1938. Carols by Candlelight are held in most major cities across Australia and are a great way to start the holiday season. They frequently feature a few celebrity performers, with all proceeds benefiting charity.
You Can Give Booze.
Do check whether your Secret Santee has any aversions—cultural, moral, physical, emotional, or otherwise—to alcohol. If not, this is an easy gift generally bound to satisfy or at the very least be easily regifted.
Children in the United States leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus. While children traditionally left out gingerbread cookies, now it is more common to see children leaving chocolate chip cookies. Check out this delicious recipe for gingerbread cookies and this one for chocolate chip cookies.
Look, it's clear that Santa is a big drinker - every Christmas Eve he jets around the world, and he does a shot of sherry in almost every house. That's absolute madness, that is, that's binge-drinking on a deathly scale, irresponsibility of the highest order.
Milk and cookies are the most classic treat for Santa on Christmas Eve, so why mess with a good thing? Bake up a fresh batch of cookies with your kids, and leave some for Santa on a plate with a glass of milk.
Christmas is considered a romantic holiday by the Japanese. Santa-san gets no particular treats, but if he's lucky he might get to sample some of the food and drink that the Japanese like to celebrate Christmas with – KFC and a special edition version of Pepsi that tastes of strawberry cake.
Christmas drinks
Santa drinks milk on Christmas Eve. After all he does have a lot of driving to do and alcohol would not help. Once home and relaxing at the North Pole, he does have a traditional drink awaiting him in the form of Glogg, a heavily spiced hot drink common in Nordic countries.
"It's not an overnight shift in thinking," says Laura Lamminen, Ph. D., a pediatric psychologist at Children's Health℠, "and there's no set age where children should know the truth about Santa Claus." Dr. Lamminen says each family and each child within that family will be ready to talk about Santa at different ages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Australia
What is Santa Claus called in Australia? These days most Australians call Atnas (his real name) “Santa”.
Snacks and beverages may be left out for Santa to consume during his visit, often milk and cookies, or a beer. Carrots are also commonly left for Santa's reindeer. The gifts are opened the next morning, on Christmas Day. Families traditionally gather for a Christmas Day lunch.
Santa loves his white milk and cookies, but after stopping at every child's home, give Santa Claus some flavored milk for a tasty surprise. Or switch out the milk for some holiday eggnog! Put your own twist on holiday traditions this year with your family.
Coca‑Cola Helped Shape the Image of Santa
In 1931 the company began placing Coca‑Cola ads in popular magazines. Archie Lee, the D'Arcy Advertising Agency executive working with The Coca‑Cola Company, wanted the campaign to show a wholesome Santa who was both realistic and symbolic.
Santa's milk is a festive cocktail flavored with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla vodka and cinnamon is guaranteed to make Santa happy this year. I love a simple cocktail that can be thrown together in a flash and delivers big on flavor. My Santa's Milk cocktail is exactly that.