Santa snacks to delight the big man

EVERY year, Santa achieves the impossible and delivers presents to children all over the world.

An accomplishment so great surely warrants a show of gratitude from the community but the question remains, what should families leave out for Saint Nick?

At Central Deborah Goldmine’s Elf Academy, Santa’s helpers of all levels have shared their Christmas Eve snack traditions and one of their newest Elves, Joy, said she likes to leave out a cheeky beer for the jolly fat man.

“And pork crackle, my Santa loves that, and the reindeers get a carrot, that’s what I love leaving out,” she said.

Beer and pork crackle is Joy’s treat for Santa, but the Elf said other families might like to put out something else, like the more traditional glass of milk and plate of cookies.

Elf-in-training Elsie Unt Wan, who was visiting the Elf Academy with her family, said she had learned a lot about being an Elf.

“Be cheeky like other Elves, smile, always smile and be nice to Santa and its reindeers,” Elsie said.

For Elsie, her sister Sylvie, and parents Emily and Pascal, their tradition is to leave out Coca-Cola and cookies for Santa.

“Because Santa likes to use what’s there and at our house we’re not big drinkers, so Santa gets what we have in our fridge,” Emily Unt Wan said.

“And we always have shortbread because my mum makes it every year.”

Santa would not get all the way around the world in one night without his reindeers, and head elf at the Academy, Jacob Amarant, said they deserve a treat too.

One of the skills all elves learn at the academy is how to make reindeer treats, a dish that contains a range of specialty ingredients including dragon dandruff, North Pole candy, sugar plum fairy dust, and mermaid scales.

“Mermaid scales help keep the reindeer waterproof,” said head elf Jacob. “This year the scales were donated by the North Atlantic mermaids, it’s a great partnership.”

Elf Academy training is certified by the North Pole and focuses on teaching elves the key principles of being one of Santa’s little helpers.

“Being cheeky, showing care to others, and learning through play are things all Elves should learn,” said head elf Jacob.

For any aspiring elves, the Elf Academy will be conducting training from the Central Deborah Goldmine until Saturday 23 December.