Magic Reindeer Food is a fun, easy, and enchanting activity for children at Christmas. Find out how to make reindeer food, what to do with it, and get a free printable poem!
Christmas is all about traditions, from leaving out milk and cookies for Santa, to writing special letters to the North Pole.
One tradition that adds a sprinkle of enchantment to the festive season is the creation of magic reindeer food.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, families come together, armed with oats, sprinkles, and a pinch of imagination, to concoct this whimsical treat for Santa's trusty companions.
Creating Reindeer Food is a super easy family-friendly activity where a few ingredients are mixed together in a bowl, and then the magical concoction is sprinkled on the lawn or driveway on Christmas Eve.
The idea is that the glittering trail will guide Santa's reindeer to your home, ensuring a smooth landing for the sleigh.
You can let your imagination run wild with the ingredients added to the oats - sprinkles, edible glitter, dried fruit etc...
The sugary sprinkles aren't great for wildlife, so we tend to pour the reindeer food into little cellophane bag. Then, on Christmas Eve, the kids take a pinch, close their eyes, make a wish, and sprinkle the pinch on the lawn.
The rest of the bag of reindeer food is left with the milk and cookies for Santa! On Christmas morning we then cook the reindeer food into a sweet and colorful oatmeal. No waste and no mess!
So, as the season of joy approaches, don't forget to add a dash of magic to your holiday traditions with the delightful ritual of making reindeer food. It's a small gesture that sparks big smiles and creates cherished memories that last a lifetime.
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What is Magic Reindeer Food
Making magic reindeer food is a simple and festive activity. Common ingredients include rolled oats, sugar crystals, edible glitter, and a pinch of imagination (magic dust). Mix these ingredients in a large bowl, package them in small bags, and then scatter the magical concoction outside on Christmas Eve to guide Santa's reindeer.
Why You'll Love It
- Family Bonding: Making reindeer food is a fun activity that brings the family together, creating lasting memories.
- Imagination Boost: Crafting the magical mix sparks children's imaginations, adding wonder to the holiday season.
- Fresh Tradition: It's a creative twist on holiday traditions, complementing the usual festivities with a touch of whimsy.
- Giving Lesson: Involving kids in the process teaches them the joy of giving, reinforcing the spirit of generosity.
- Magical Christmas Eve: Sprinkling reindeer food on Christmas Eve transforms the night into a magical event, enhancing the excitement of Santa's visit.
Free Magic Reindeer Food Poem Printable
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Ingredients
- Oats - just regular uncooked rolled oats.
- Sprinkles - colorful or Christmas-coloured red and green sprinkles work great. You can also add in silver or gold coloured to make it sparkly.
- Optional - try also adding a little edible glitter or colored sugar.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Making Reindeer Food is a piece of cake—well, more like a sprinkle of magic. Here's a simple recipe that even the tiniest tots can master:
- Mix and Stir: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and sprinkles. Let the kiddos take turns stirring the mixture, because after all, the more hands involved, the merrier.
- Add Magic: This is where the enchantment comes into play. Get the kids to close their eyes, whisper a wish into their hands, and then 'sprinkle' it into the bowl.
- Package with Love: Once your Reindeer Food is ready, it's time to package it up for the big night. Grab small bags or pouches, fill them with your magical mix, and seal them with a touch of holiday spirit.
Print your poem: Use the link above to get your free printable poem. Print it, cut them out, and then the tie them to the bags of reindeer food.
How to Use Reindeer Food
- On Christmas Eve, gather your family and head outside.
- Read the magic reindeer poem (see below or the free printable).
- Get the kids to close their eyes, make a wish, and spinkle a big pinch of the magical reindeer food on your lawn or driveway, creating a radiant path for Santa's reindeer to follow.
- Then, leave the bags of reindeer food with milk and cookies for Santa, so he can take them back to the reindeer. Looking for fun cookies to leave? Try these easy Snow Globe Cookies.
No Waste
If you want to use the leftover reindeer food, you can cook it into a sweet and colorful oatmeal!
Add the reindeer food to a pot and cover well with an equal quantity of milk, water or mix of both. Bring to a simmer over a medium/low heat for about 5 minutes or until thick and creamy.
The color from the sprinkles will have spread through the oatmeal so you should have brightly colored, sweet oats! Serve as they are or with a few more sprinkles on top. How to make oatmeal.
Fun Facts About Reindeers
- Magical Antlers:
- Reindeer are the only species of deer where both males and females grow antlers.
- Cool Noses:
- Reindeers have an impressive adaptation to cold climates. Their noses are specially designed to warm the air before it enters their lungs, helping them breathe easily in chilly Arctic environments. It's like having built-in winter breath warmers!
- Speedy Travelers:
- While Santa's reindeer are known for their speed on Christmas Eve, real reindeers are also exceptional runners. They can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, making them one of the speediest creatures in the Arctic.
- Camouflage Artists:
- Reindeers have a clever trick for avoiding predators in the wild. Their fur changes color with the seasons, helping them blend into their surroundings. In winter, their fur is white, providing excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes, while in summer, it turns a darker brown.
FAQ
No, magic reindeer food is not intended for actual consumption by wildlife, including real reindeers. The ingredients are chosen for their visual appeal and the joy they bring to the tradition, emphasizing imagination rather than practical nutrition.
As long as the ingredients are all edible, then it's not too bad. But if you want to ensure that the wildlife in your area is safe and not encouraged onto your lawn, you may want to spread just a pinch (or an imaginary pinch). Then just leave the bags of food out for Santa to 'take home to the reindeer'.
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📖 Recipe
Magic Reindeer Food
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked oats
- 3 tablespoons Christmas coloured sprinkles
- Christmas magic
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and sprinkles. Let the kids take turns stirring the mixture, because after all, the more hands involved, the merrier.
- This is where the enchantment comes into play. Get the kids to close their eyes, whisper a wish into their hands, and then 'sprinkle' it into the bowl.
- Once your Reindeer Food is ready, it's time to package it up for the big night. Grab small bags or pouches, fill them with your magical mix, and seal them with a touch of holiday spirit.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Emily
This is so sweet and fun! The kids loved putting these together and making wishes!
Michelle
This is so cute! My kids will love leaving this out with their cookies for santa!
Elisa
Wow!! love this Magic Reindeer Food recipe, first time reading this and I love it, it is so magical for little kiddos and to make a night special. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Justine
This is so fun! I wish my kids were little again - maybe we'll do this anyway, and bring back some of that innocent Christmas wonder 😉
Shelby
This is such a cute (and easy) idea. Bookmarking this for Christmas eve with my kiddos!