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Where did the milk-and-cookies come from?

So where did the tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa get its start? The answers are as varied as a plate of Christmas cookies.  One suggestion goes back to the tradition of Saint Nicholas when children would leave food and drink for the good Saint on December 6^th in hopes they would be exchanged for gifts and candy.

Another suggestion goes back to the German paradise tree…decorated with apples, cookies and other goodies…with the introduction of Christianity the paradise tree merged into the Christmas tree and Santa would snack on the decorations as he went about his business.

Then there is the Norse origin: people would leave hay and treats for Odin’s eight-legged horse in hopes the god would stop at their home during his Yule hunting adventures. Through the ages Odin became Father Christmas and snacks were left for his horse.

A more recent reason is from the Great Depression when parents urged children to put out snacks for Santa and his reindeer as an example of the need to share with others.

Whatever started the tradition, it is probably a good idea to continue it.