On the night before Christmas, many families practice the tradition of putting out a plate of cookies with a glass of milk for Santa, before making sure the children are “nestled all snug in their beds.” A seasonal expression of hospitality, it seems a fitting way to share some tidings of comfort and joy with “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” as it provides him with a delicious break during his globe-trotting journey. This wonderful ritual has become so etched into the tapestry of holiday tradition that it may seem to be timeless. When exploring its roots, however, we discover that this cookie custom is a more recent development.