Children in the United States bake cookies for Santa and leave them out with a glass of milk on Christmas Eve. Some kids even leave carrots for Santa’s reindeer.
In other parts of the world, however, Santa’s beverages are a bit harder.
Here are Christmas traditions for seven countries:
United States
Although most people put out cookies and milk for Santa, some health-conscious families prefer to leave celery or a more low-calorie treat. Lucky reindeer will also get a carrot or two.
Australia
When it’s cold in the States, it’s hot in Australia. The Weather Channel predicts a high of 83 degrees in Sydney on Christmas Day. That’s why Santa is treated to a cold glass of beer to help wash down his cookies.
Ireland
Beer is also left by Irish kids, but not just any beer. In Ireland, it has to be a pint of Guinness. You’ll also find no cookies here. Santa can find a mince pie near the tree instead.
Great Britain
Santa can fill up on mince pies in Britain, too, but he’ll enjoy it with a glass of sherry to warm him up.
Argentina
Christmas Eve in Argentina is a time for fireworks and globos, paper balloons that are lighted from within and float. Kids don’t open presents until January 6, which is Three Kings Day. They leave out hay and water for the Magi’s horses — that’s right, horses.
The Netherlands
Kids in Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands also believe Santa’s sleigh is pulled by horses, so they leave carrots and hay as a snack.
Denmark
In addition to hay and carrots for the horses, kids in Denmark make rice pudding and leave it out for the elves. The children believe elves — who are named nisser and who live in the attic — will taunt them all evening if there is no pudding. Santa, however, gets nothing.
