Santa gets enough mince pies and Christmas cookies. In Australia, we're leaving fairy bread, lamingtons and
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.
The big man himself is most likely to be the recipient of a mince pie, which almost two thirds (64%) of 6-10 year olds leave out. The next most frequent forms of treat are a glass of milk (41%) and cookies (14%). Overall, nine in ten (91%) leave out some form of food, and two thirds (68%) some form of drink.
Although Australians also leave cookies for Santa to snack on, they replace the glass of milk with a cold glass of beer. December is actually summer for Australia, so the glass of beer might be just what Santa needs in the hot weather.
On Christmas Eve, the children are told, Santa Claus visits houses placing presents for children under the Christmas tree or in stockings or sacks which are usually hung by a fireplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Australia
What is Santa Claus called in Australia? These days most Australians call Atnas (his real name) “Santa”.
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.
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.
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!
Whoever drew #1 selects a gift from the mysterious pile of gifts, opens it, and reveals what it is to everyone. Whoever drew #2 can either select a gift from the pile or choose to steal #1's gift (this is where the dirty in "Dirty Santa" comes in). If #1's gift is stolen, they must choose a new gift.
Most Americans (67%) stopped expecting Santa to shimmy down their chimney by the time they entered seventh grade. Half (49%) of Americans say they stopped believing in Santa before the age of 10 – with a quarter (23%) reporting that they lost sight of him between the ages of seven (10%) and eight (13%).
Secret Santa in Australia and other Western cultures has its origins in the Scandinavian tradition Julklapp, or “Christmas knock”. Secret gift givers would knock on someone's door and try to quickly throw a present inside as the door opened, and then run away before their identity was discovered.
What's Santa's favorite food? Santa's most favorite is cookies, but he'll eat just about anything that you like and that you leave for him on Christmas Eve.
Australians often celebrate Christmas Day by enjoying a Christmas lunch or dinner with their closest family and friends. The meal usually consists of a selection of hot and cold dishes, including fresh seafood.
Carrots & Dip
Not only are they a healthier choice for Santa, but his reindeer will love them too! Leave out a plate of carrots for Santa and let him know that he can share them with his crew or critters. Those reindeer work hard too, why not get them in on the action?
Today in the United States, leaving out a plate of cookies (Oreos and classic chocolate chip are popular choices) and a glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a well-established tradition among children.
Santa is also allergic to eggs. Who knew right? Well that is what I told my little one as she helped me make these egg-free mini Snickerdoodle cookies for Santa to munch on tonight. Here's a quick easy to do recipe.
Research shows kids usually stop believing in Santa between 6 and 9 years of age.
The song, popular with school-aged kids, explains that Santa's reindeer get a rest while six white boomers (boomer is Aussie slang for a male kangaroo) lead Santa's sleigh through Australia! After all the toys are delivered, they even help a little joey (a baby kangaroo) find his mommy.
Children in New Zealand leave out carrots for Santa's reindeer and Santa might be left a beer and some pineapple chunks! In the main cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton, there are big Christmas light shows and displays.
According to History.com, the monk who over time would evolve into Santa Claus was born in what is now modern-day Turkey in 280 A.D., making him a whopping 1,741 years old!
Claus's first name comes from a historically accurate set of stories written by James Rees in 1849. This book of stories is called “Mysteries of City Life.” In it, Mr. Rees asserts that Mrs. Claus's first name is in fact Gertrude.