How to Make Magical Reindeer Food for Christmas Eve
A fun family activity that combines creativity, eco-consciousness, and festive cheer.
Christmas Eve is brimming with tradition, wonder, and anticipation—especially for kids. Along with hanging stockings, wrapping last-minute gifts, and preparing Santa’s cookies and milk, making food for Santa’s reindeer is a delightful activity that brings the holiday spirit to life for the whole family. Whether you’re seeking an eco-friendly craft, a sweet holiday snack, or a new family tradition, reindeer food is a magical way to celebrate joy and imagination with children of all ages.
Table of Contents
- The Meaning and Tradition Behind Reindeer Food
- What Do Reindeer Really Eat?
- How to Make Eco-Friendly Reindeer Food Cones
- Festive Reindeer Snack Mixes for Humans
- Safety and Environmental Tips
- Holiday Traditions for Kids
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Meaning and Tradition Behind Reindeer Food
Leaving out reindeer food for Santa’s team—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen—is a beloved tradition among families worldwide. Designed to accompany Santa’s plate of cookies, the ritual adds a touch of magic to Christmas Eve, helping children feel part of the holiday’s enchantment. Sprinkling reindeer food outside is thought to guide Santa’s reindeer to homes filled with good behavior and holiday cheer.
This custom encourages creativity, environmental awareness, and caring for animals through a simple crafting activity that parents and children can enjoy together.
What Do Reindeer Really Eat?
While the reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh exist in the imagination of children, real-life reindeer (also known as caribou in North America) have diverse diets. In the wild, reindeer eat:
- **Mosses**
- **Herbs**
- **Ferns**
- **Grasses**
- **Shoots and leaves of willows and birches**
According to the Food and Drug Administration, reindeer can consume up to 18 pounds of vegetation in a single day. However, for holiday festivities, many families opt for treats that double as birdseed or safe, glitter-free mixes for sprinkling outdoors.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Reindeer Food Cones
Creating reindeer food cones is an easy and eco-conscious craft that makes Christmas Eve even more meaningful. Rather than using glitter or colored sugars (which are harmful to wildlife), this method uses nature-friendly birdseed that local birds can enjoy after Christmas morning.
Materials Needed
- Brown kraft paper or recycled paper
- Assorted markers (black, brown, red)
- Scissors
- Clear tape
- Birdseed mix (sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, etc.)
- Optional: String or twine for tying the cones
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut your cone: Cut a triangle or pie-wedge shape out of brown kraft paper large enough to roll into a cone.
- Add reindeer features: Using markers, decorate the front of your paper with reindeer antlers, big eyes, and a round red nose to mimic Rudolph or another reindeer. Encourage kids to get creative with their designs!
- Form the cone: Gently roll the paper into a cone shape, securing the edge with clear tape to hold it in place.
- Fill with birdseed: Spoon birdseed into each cone. If the opening is too large, gently pinch shut with string or twine, or simply fold the top.
- Seal and store: Store completed cones in a cool, dry place until Christmas Eve.
What others are reading
When to Use:
On Christmas Eve, take the cones outside with your children and sprinkle the birdseed on the lawn, walkway, or by the garden to “feed the reindeer.” The birds will thank you the next morning!
Festive Reindeer Snack Mixes for Humans
While reindeer food is for Santa’s magical team, the excitement often inspires families to make reindeer-themed snack mixes to enjoy indoors. These “Reindeer Chow” or “Reindeer Snack Mix” recipes combine cereal, chocolate, and festive candies for a treat that pleases all ages.
Classic Reindeer Chow Recipe
This version is quick to assemble and perfect for parties, movie nights, or gifts.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/2 cup peanuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Add Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently fold to coat.
- Add powdered sugar to a large resealable bag. Spoon the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag and shake until thoroughly coated.
- Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined tray to set.
- Fold in mini pretzels, M&M’s, and peanuts when cool. Serve or store in airtight containers.
White Chocolate Reindeer Chow
Another festive version swaps out the chocolate and peanut butter for white chocolate and is equally easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups Chex cereal (corn or rice)
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- 1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces
- 1 cup peanuts (or other salted nuts)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cereal, pretzel sticks, M&Ms, and peanuts.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the snack mix and toss gently until coated.
- Spread mixture evenly on a parchment-lined tray. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Allow to set for 30 minutes, then break into chunks and store in an airtight container.
Variation Table
| Ingredients | Classic Reindeer Chow | White Chocolate Reindeer Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Cereal Base | Rice & Corn Chex | Chex (any type) |
| Chocolate | Semi-sweet & PB | White chocolate |
| Mix-ins | Pretzels, M&M’s, peanuts | Pretzel sticks, M&M’s, peanuts, sprinkles |
| Finishing | Powdered sugar | Optional sprinkles |
Safety and Environmental Tips
- **Use birdseed or oats:** Avoid adding glitter or colored sugars to outdoor reindeer food. Glitter and artificial colors can be harmful to wildlife and the ecosystem.
- **Store snacks safely:** Keep edible reindeer chow for humans in airtight containers for freshness and food safety.
- **Allergens:** Modify recipes with allergies in mind. Swap peanuts for seeds or omit all nuts if needed.
- **Supervise children:** Kids can help decorate cones and mix ingredients, but adult supervision is recommended when cutting or handling small parts.
Holiday Traditions for Kids
Making reindeer food is a wonderful holiday tradition that brings families together for a creative, hands-on activity before bedtime on Christmas Eve. Here’s how to make the night extra magical:
- Read a reindeer-themed bedtime story
- Leave Santa’s cookies with a handwritten note
- Dress up in holiday pajamas
- Listen for “reindeer hooves” together after sprinkling the food outside
Document the tradition with photos or a family video, preserving memories that can be passed down for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it safe to put glitter in reindeer food?
A: No. Traditional glitter or colored sugars can be harmful to birds and wildlife. Always use nature-friendly items like oats or birdseed for outdoor reindeer food.
Q: What can I use instead of birdseed?
A: Rolled oats or sunflower seeds are safe alternatives that will not harm outdoor creatures. Avoid using anything with artificial colors or non-biodegradable materials.
Q: Can kids eat ‘reindeer chow’ mixes?
A: Absolutely! Snack mixes like Reindeer Chow are designed for humans and are popular at parties, gift exchanges, and family movie nights.
Q: How long does reindeer chow stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container, reindeer chow snack mixes can remain fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated.
Q: What else can we do as a family while preparing reindeer food?
A: Turn on holiday music, decorate holiday cards, or let kids create their own imaginative stories about the reindeer. It’s a great time to bond and extend the tradition with related crafts and recipes.
Magical Memories Await
By crafting reindeer food cones and whipping up a batch of delightful reindeer chow snacks, you’re not only sparking enchantment in your child’s holiday but also fostering creativity, kindness, and cherished memories. This simple gesture—guided by eco-friendly practices and festive spirit—can become a cherished tradition that brings joy each Christmas Eve.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a46056460/reindeer-food/
- https://www.erinliveswhole.com/reindeer-chow/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zciAbuDQl8
- https://princesspinkygirl.com/reindeer-chow-chex-mix/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a45642613/holiday-reindeer-chow-recipe/
- https://mysweetprecision.com/reindeer-food/
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