Get ready to add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your Christmas Eve! This delightful reindeer food recipe is a cherished tradition that brings wonder to children and families alike. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and promises to create lasting memories as you prepare for Santa’s arrival. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure your reindeer have a special treat.
The tradition of leaving treats for Santa and his reindeer has evolved over time, becoming a beloved part of Christmas Eve celebrations. Learn more about the history of Christmas reindeer traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Magical Reindeer Food
This festive craft is truly something special for the holiday season.
- Perfect for kids of all ages. Little ones will adore helping measure and mix.
- Creates lasting Christmas memories. It’s a sweet tradition your family will cherish year after year.
- Simple, quick, and budget-friendly. You likely have most ingredients already, making this an easy win.
- A wonderful gift idea for friends. Package it up with a poem for a thoughtful, handmade present.
- Safe for local wildlife. We use edible, animal-friendly ingredients to protect our outdoor friends.
The Best Moist Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add mashed bananas and eggs to the butter mixture; mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until no flour streaks remain.
- Fold in vanilla, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create your magical reindeer food recipe:
- Raw uncooked oats: The main, nutritious base for the reindeer.
- Sugar cookie sprinkles: Opt for edible glitter or classic red and green types for a festive look.
- Plastic sandwich or snack baggies: Perfect for individual portions.
- Ribbon: Choose festive holiday colors to tie the bags.
- Paper or card stock: For printing or writing charming reindeer tags.
Notes & Substitutions
When crafting your special reindeer food recipe, safety is key for any visiting wildlife. Always choose edible sprinkles, like those made from sugar or cornstarch, to ensure they are safe for animals. Avoid craft glitter or plastic decorations, which are harmful if ingested. If you don’t have oats, you can use other bird-safe grains such as birdseed, puffed rice cereal, or even cornmeal. Feel free to mix and match various edible sprinkle types and colors for a vibrant, appealing look. For packaging, small decorative jars, clear cello bags, or even recycled paper envelopes can be charming alternatives to plastic baggies.
While some “edible” glitters are deemed safe for humans, many experts advise against their use in wildlife feed due to concerns about their ingredients, as outlined in this RSPB advice on what to feed wild birds.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic tools to prepare this enchanting treat.
- Large mixing bowl: (Optional) Useful if you’re preparing a big batch.
- Measuring spoons/cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Scissors: To cut your ribbons and tags.
- Hole punch: If you’re attaching tags to zipper bags.
- Printer: (Optional) For printing out your festive tags and poems.
Instructions
Creating this magical reindeer food recipe is incredibly simple and fun for the whole family. Follow these easy steps:
- Gather Your Supplies: Lay out all your raw uncooked oats, edible sprinkles, plastic baggies, ribbon, and paper for tags. Having everything organized makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Measure the Oats: Take each plastic sandwich or snack baggie and pour in about 3-4 tablespoons of raw uncooked oats. This provides a good portion for each little bag of magical food.
- Add the Sprinkles: Now for the fun part! Add a tablespoon or two of sugar cookie sprinkles to each bag. Iridescent sprinkles or traditional red and green ones work wonderfully to catch the light and attract Santa’s reindeer. Remember to use only edible, sugar-based sprinkles to keep local wildlife safe. Avoid craft glitter as it can be harmful.
- Secure the Bags: Close each baggie, ensuring the contents are secure. If you’re using a standard sandwich bag, you can simply gather the top and tie it tightly with a piece of festive ribbon. For zipper-top bags, punch a small hole in one corner of the bag and thread a piece of ribbon through the hole. This creates a charming and secure closure.
- Prepare the Tags: This step adds a personal touch to your magical reindeer food recipe. Print out or hand-write a charming reindeer poem onto small pieces of paper or card stock. The poem usually encourages children to sprinkle the food outside to help guide Santa’s sleigh.
- Attach the Tags: Once your tags are ready, attach one to each bag of reindeer food. You can tie it onto the ribbon you used to close the bag, or if you punched a hole in the zipper bag, simply loop the ribbon through both the bag and the tag.
- Get Ready for Christmas Eve: Your magical reindeer food recipe is now complete! After you’ve set out cookies and milk for Santa Claus, take your prepared bags outside. Sprinkle the enchanted mix generously on your lawn or in the snow. As the poem explains, the sparkling sprinkles will glow, guiding Santa’s reindeer right to your home. This magical ritual creates truly unforgettable Christmas memories.
Pro Tips for the Best Reindeer Food
Make your reindeer food recipe extra special with these helpful suggestions.
- Involve children in every step. Let them measure, pour, and mix for a truly hands-on experience.
- Choose brightly colored, natural sprinkles. These are most appealing to both kids and any passing wildlife.
- Personalize with unique ribbons or tags. Use different colors, textures, or even add names to the tags.
- Share the reindeer poem backstory. Explain how the magical food helps Santa’s reindeer find your home.
- Emphasize proper outdoor placement for visibility. Suggest an open area in the yard where the sparkles can truly shine.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your magical reindeer food recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve.
- Serving Suggestions: On Christmas Eve, head outside with your little ones after placing cookies and milk for Santa. Sprinkle the reindeer food on the lawn or in the snow, reciting the accompanying poem. The sparkles will shimmer, helping guide Santa’s sleigh and the reindeer to your home.
- Storage Instructions: If you prepare your bags of reindeer food in advance, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry shelf or a cupboard works perfectly. Store them until Christmas Eve to maintain freshness and magic.
- Creative Variations:
- Add small bird-safe seeds, such as sunflower or millet, or a few pieces of dried fruit for extra variety.
- Tint the raw uncooked oats with a drop of food coloring (green or red) for an even more festive look.
- Encourage children to create personalized poems or draw pictures on the tags themselves.
- Present the reindeer food in small, clear glass jars or decorative holiday boxes tied with a bow, making them lovely gifts.
Nutrition Information
It’s important to remember that this reindeer food recipe is explicitly for reindeer, not human consumption. The primary ingredient, oats, is generally safe for many wild animals in moderation. However, while the sprinkles are “edible” for humans, they are primarily for decorative purposes and should not be consumed by people or pets. This recipe provides no human nutritional value, and any edible glitter is primarily a visual enhancement. Its purpose is purely magical.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| (For humans) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about this festive reindeer food recipe.
- Is reindeer food safe for pets or other animals? Yes, this recipe uses raw oats and edible sprinkles, which are generally safe for common wildlife like birds and squirrels. Always choose edible, sugar-based sprinkles.
- Can I use real glitter? No, please do not use craft glitter as it is made of plastic and can be very harmful to animals if ingested. Stick to edible, sugar cookie sprinkles or sanding sugar.
- How far in advance can I make reindeer food? You can prepare this magical food several weeks in advance. Store the sealed bags in a cool, dry place until Christmas Eve.
- What if I don’t have snow on Christmas Eve? No problem at all! You can simply sprinkle the reindeer food on your lawn, driveway, or any outdoor area. The magic still works.
- Can children help make this recipe? Absolutely! Making this reindeer food recipe is a perfect, simple activity for children of all ages. They love measuring, mixing, and preparing for Santa’s arrival.
Conclusion
This enchanting reindeer food recipe offers a wonderful way to bring extra magic and excitement to your Christmas Eve. It’s a simple, heartwarming tradition that fosters joy and wonder in children, creating cherished family memories year after year. Gathering to make and sprinkle this special treat truly encapsulates the spirit of the holidays. We hope this guide helps you create a truly magical experience for your family. Happy holidays and a very merry Christmas to you all!
