Elves Baking Christmas Cookies

About this drawing

Elves baking cookies bring to mind a tradition familiar from countless movies and TV specials: on Christmas Eve, American kids leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk out for Santa.

The custom grew hugely popular in the United States during the twentieth century and is now part of Christmas Eve for millions of families. Many add a carrot for the reindeer, and the crumbs left behind the next morning are proof that Santa stopped by.

Other countries do it differently. In Spain, where the Three Kings are the real gift-bringers, many children set out water, milk or sweets for them, plus water or straw for their camels, on the night of January 5.

Speaking of treats, Spanish Christmas has its own lineup: turrón, polvorones, mantecados and marzipan, many with centuries of history and tied to specific towns. Decorated cookies shaped like stars, trees and snowmen have joined the party more recently as a favorite family activity. The cookies do not have to be perfect. What matters is the time spent together in a warm kitchen, with flour on the counter and the smell of baking filling the house.

• elves
• cookies
• christmas
• baking
• cozy