@AlexisReal actually it's a glass of sherry which always made me wonder how Santa managed to get round all the houses without being violently ill.
@Halibut_Acid you have some options for "mince pie". In Scotland they have such a thing as a Scotch pie which is minced lamb and cinnamon in a pastry case. In the rest of the UK you can get a pie which is basically a scotch pie with onions but without the cinnamon. In a Christmas context though a mince pie is a pastry pie made with "mincemeat" which is a mix of dried fruit and something to make it vaguely Christmasey.
Hi Edward. Yes Sherry! That rings a bell now. I think I recall that happening in my youth.
I expect that was the origin of the tradition. But I think maybe a watered (or milked)...down version was created at some point, with Milk replacing the Sherry, in some homes.
If I was Santa I think having a choice or at least some variety over the night might appeal to me.
And indeed, the conundrum of mince pies is the term Mincemeat which in typical English Mince pies refers to a meatless raisin based fruit compote for making mince pies, whereas in America, I think Mincemeat is more widely a reference to actual meat possibly.
And those classic Scotch Pies in Scotland were lip-lickingly yummy!
Wishing you a safe, sound, enjoyable and happy Christmas Edward and a huge thank you for everything you have continued to do for us all throughout this difficult year.