Before bed on Christmas Eve, it is customary to set out a plate of provisions for the man of the hour — the red-suited gift bearer known as Santa Claus. Cookies and milk are the traditional treat because it’s a widely accepted fact that Santa likes (and maybe even loves) cookies, but let’s say for a moment that Santa’s tired of chocolate chip. What if you were to leave St. Nick a locally inspired snack instead? Here are some non-cookie alternative suggestions for what to leave for Santa in New England, state by state!
WHAT TO LEAVE FOR SANTA IN NEW ENGLAND
MAINE
In Maine, we bet Santa would love a big old chocolate whoopie pie, brimming with cream filling. While we’re sure he’d also love a glass of Moxie, milk seems a wiser choice for washing down all of those chocolate crumbs.
VERMONT
In Vermont, Santa might be craving something savory and hope for a plate of sharp cheddar cheese served with crisp crackers and a bottle (just one, Santa) of local hard cideror craft beer.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
In New Hampshire, Santa might start sniffing the air for the smell of maple syrup. Leave him a few maple sugar candies he can tuck into his pocket for later in the trip when someone leaves him a treat he’s not especially fond of.
MASSACHUSETTS
In Massachusetts (since we’re skipping the Toll House Cookies in this non-cookie experiment) it’s peanut butter and marshmallow Fluff Santa needs to try. Fluff was invented in Somerville, MA and we know Santa loves anything sweet. Make him a Fluffernutter sandwich before sending him on his way.
RHODE ISLAND
In Rhode Island, what else could Santa hope for than a plate of johnnycakes (thick or thin – we’re sure he likes them both) made from local whitecap cornmeal and and followed by an ice-cold glass of coffee milk?
CONNECTICUT
And finally, on his way out of New England, we’re sure that Santa would love if his friends in Connecticut left him a glass of eggnog, that beloved Christmas classic, topped with whipped cream and a generous shake of fresh grated nutmeg. Connecticut is, after all, nicknamed “The Nutmeg State.”
No matter what you choose to leave Santa, no doubt he appreciates the treat and (fingers crossed!) leaves something for you in return!
What does your family leave for Santa? Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.
As Digital Editor of New England.com, Aimee writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Before this role, she served as assistant, then associate, editor for Yankee Magazine and YankeeMagazine.com, where she was nominated for a City and Regional Magazine Association award for Best Blog. A lifelong New Englander, Aimee loves history, the New Hampshire seacoast, and a good Massachusetts South Shore bar pizza.