This Is Why Cookies Are Associated With Christmas

Going back as far as I can remember, cookies have been associated with Christmas. Whether you are leaving snacks for Santa, giving them as gifts or having family bake sessions for fun, Christmas cookies are a tradition. A tradition that has been around for years.

Here's a brief history about Christmas cookies according to Cutlturally Ours:

Setting out milk and cookies for Santa is a tradition rooted in celebrations of Saint Nicholas, a third-century bishop who was know for his kindness to children, so on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day which is on December 6th, children put out food for him.
Historians also believe that this tradition began to become popular during the Great Depression. Parents wanted to encourage generosity in their children particularly during the harsh times of the depression. But the tradition quickly stuck and even today, most homes around the world that celebrate Christmas put out cookies for him and his reindeer.

The story behind the cookies is touching, especially with regard to the Depression era.

RomanBabakin

My mom loved baking cookies and every year she made dozens of cookies for me and my sister to decorate. Mom made the old school frosting with powdered sugar, water and food coloring. We'd sit around the table for what seemed like days, decorating cookies with icing and sprinkles. Do you have a family tradition like that? As it turns out, our family has a marathon day of Christmas cookie baking and decorating this Saturday.

Antonio_Diaz

I always left cookies & milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer when I was a kid. We continue that tradtion at our home and hope that you do the same. It's the magic of Christmas and the memories you're creating.

amberto4ka

Cookies are awesome gift ideas. I am a trusting person and if someone gives me a tin of cookies for Christmas, I am going to eat each and everyone of them. Combining two Christmas traditions, gift giving and Christmas cookies together is a win.

Erika Croner

What are your favorite Christmas cookies? I like the simple sugar cookie, if I am feeling "risky" I'll go for the cookies with sprinkles. I also like the peanut butter cookies with the Hershey's kiss pressed into the cookie, those are my favorite.

If you're looking for awesome Christmas cookies this year, check out these local vendors.