10 Healthy Snacks For Santa To leave Out On Christmas Eve That Aren’t Cookies.

It is a time-honored tradition to leave out milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, but have you ever thought that Santa might be a little tired of boring old sugar cookies house after house. Personally, I’m not even a fan of drinking one glass of milk let alone thousands. Plus, it makes me a bit gassy, and “Santa” does not need to be gassy on Christmas Day. No thank you! So what if we made him a healthy egg nog for his big night (maybe even with a little dash of Brandy). Or what about some festive cinnamon and sugar energy balls to keep him flying through the night while also watching his figure. Think about how many cookies that guy must eat and is expected to fit in everyone’s chimney. Here are a few healthy snacks For Santa to serve on Christmas Eve.

1. Cheese & Crackers

You really can’t go wrong with Cheese and Crackers, which also pairs nicely with a glass of red wine. Just in case you have a very sophisticated Santa this might be a good option. If you are looking for a healthy homemade cracker option to bake here it is from Real Food By Two Moms. I didn’t realize how easy crackers were to make. These super cute cheesy carrot crackers are so simple to make and you only need six ingredients.

2. Healthy Egg Nog

Who doesn’t like egg nog, but often store-bought egg nog is filled with high fructose corn syrup and fake flavors, so why not make your own? It’s really not as hard as you may think.

In a small bowl whisk together 4 egg yolks and ¼ cup maple syrup and set aside. Combine 1 ½ cups coconut milk, 2 ½ cups almond milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and slowly pour in the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Bring back to medium heat while continuing to whisk. Don’t let it boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Serve over ice.

Hint: to ensure an extra special gift from Santa, add a shot of brandy.

3. Holiday Energy Balls

Poor Santa has a lot of chimneys to fit in plus those poor reindeer have to pull him around all night long. Offer Santa some healthy holiday-inspired energy balls instead. Letting your children know that even Santa prefers a healthy treat, is a great way to encourage some healthy eating around the Christmas season. Plus you will have the rest of the batch to snack on throughout your winter holiday. I found this delicious Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice Energy Ball recipe from the ladies at Heart Healthy Greek.

4. Veggies & Dip

This is a great way to give Santa some healthy snacks full of fiber to regulate his sugar from all of those cookies he’s been eating all night long. Veggies are loaded with fiber to keep him from having a sugar crash. We wouldn’t want Santa to tire and not be able to deliver all of the packages to the good lil boys and girls. Make sure to include some extra carrots for the reindeer.

5. Apples

They are red, delicious and nutritious. A fine snack for the man in red. The kids will love seeing the leftover core the next morning.

6. Mixed Nuts

Leave him some mixed nuts so he can take a handful with him on the sleigh. Nuts are a great travel snack and I’m sure that his trip from the US to Europe might take a while, so he may enjoy having some snacks for the ride.

7. Beer & Carrots

I think the Aussies know what’s up. They might be the only ones who really truly understand what Santa needs after a long night of last-minute dollhouse and bicycle constructing. The carrots are for the reindeer and make great proof that his red-nosed team was here. My husband is from Australia and he was aghast the first year I put out a glass of milk and cookies. This tradition quickly changed in my household.

8. Rice Pudding

This may sound like a strange one if you aren’t from Denmark. But the more I think about it the more I agree with the Danish. What a wonderful winter evening treat. Don’t just leave this recipe for Christmas Eve. It’s like the equivalent to ice cream but for the winter. Here is a very simple and healthy rice pudding recipe for you.

Warm 1 cup of coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir in 1 tbsp maple syrup. Add 1 cup cooked brown rice and continue to stir until combined. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has boiled off and the pudding has thickened. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

9. Tea & Scones

If you’re in the mood to do a little baking but looking for something that can also double for Christmas breakfast and Santa’s snack, scones would be a perfect choice. I’m not sure what happens in your house, but for as long as I can remember, Christmas morning starts early. Who can sleep knowing that there are stockings overflowing with goodies and a room full of presents under the tree? Breakfast usually isn’t the first thing on anyone’s mind as they awake Christmas morning. Having fresh-baked scones is a delicious, quick and easy breakfast to enjoy while opening packages. Try Kitchen Addiction’s healthy Whole-Wheat Gingerbread Scone recipe.

10. Healthy Freezable Muffins

Is anyone else insanely busy the days leading up to Christmas, preparing a huge turkey dinner, family get-togethers, present buying and a million other things that seem to pop up during the holidays? If so, this recipe is for you. Start baking now. Make some festive cinnamon and nutmeg muffins and freeze them. They are great to have on hand for quick snacks, breakfasts, meals on the go and for a Christmas Eve Santa snack.