December is one of the most magical months of the year, and in our household, the fun kicks off on the very first day with a tradition we hold dear: the North Pole Breakfast. It’s a simple yet enchanting way to set the tone for the festive season, combining sweet treats, creative elf antics, and the excitement of writing letters to Santa. In this post, I’ll share how we create our North Pole Breakfast, tips to make it extra special, and how you can start this delightful tradition in your own home.
What Is a North Pole Breakfast?
A North Pole Breakfast is a festive breakfast hosted on December 1st to mark the arrival of your Elf on the Shelf or simply celebrate the start of the holiday season. In our home, it’s a morning filled with cheerful decorations, themed treats, and a few surprises that magically appear overnight. It’s a fun way to get the family excited for the month ahead and kick off the countdown to Christmas.
The Menu: Simple but Festive
The food is the heart of our North Pole Breakfast, and I keep it simple yet magical with a few creative treats:
Elf Toast
Elf toast is the star of the show. I use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to transform slices of toast into festive shapes. After toasting them, I spread Nutella on top and sprinkle them with festive cake sprinkles. These little bites of sweetness are always a hit, a twist on the fairy toast treat and they’re so easy to make that even the busiest parent can whip them up in no time..
Sprinkle Doughnuts
Mini doughnuts are another staple of our North Pole Breakfast. To make them extra festive, I dip the tops in icing or melted chocolate and then coat them with sprinkles. They look adorable on the table and bring a bit of extra sparkle to the morning.
Santa Strawberries
Santa strawberries are a healthy (ish!) addition that everyone loves. To make them, I cut strawberries in half and sandwich a slice of marshmallow between the halves to create a “Santa hat.” A little dollop of whipped cream or some mini marshmallows act as the trim on Santa’s hat. They’re super cute and add a pop of festive red to the spread.
Festive Milk Bottles
No North Pole Breakfast is complete without a fun drink. I serve milk in glass bottles – home bargains always has some really cute little milk bottles and mugs which are very affordable. You could always add some festive paper straws and ribbon to anything you already have at home too. These little touches make the meal feel extra special and tie everything together.
Decorating the Scene
Part of the magic of the North Pole Breakfast is the surprise element. Whilst Arlo is asleep, I set up the table with festive decorations and themed tableware, so it feels like the elves have worked their magic overnight.
Here are some decorating ideas:
• Tablecloths and Placemats: A red or green tablecloth with Christmas-themed placemats instantly sets the tone.
• Elf Props: Add some mischief with Elf on the Shelf figures or props. Place the elves “eating” some of the breakfast or holding a note to the kids. I like to make a big deal out of our elf arrival and so he swings in on a hot air balloon which is always funny.
• Christmas Lights: A string of fairy lights around the table adds a warm, magical glow. Coming downstairs in the dark hours of the early morning Arlo always looks for the twinkles and is delighted when he realises Christmas is kicking off
• Themed Accessories: Sprinkle fake snow, add candy canes, or use mini Christmas trees as centerpieces. Our tree shaped adventure calendar was from hobby craft and hand painted years ago. It’s a much loved keepsake and I enjoy filling it every year with new treats and it makes a beautiful decoration too.
The decorations don’t need to be expensive. Many high street stores have affordable Christmas items that can elevate your setup without breaking the bank. Our window is decorated using paint pens, and I love the addition of things like our handmade paper stars and decorations mixed in to garlands.
A Special Morning Tradition
One of the highlights of our North Pole Breakfast is combining it with another beloved tradition: writing letters to Santa. After enjoying the meal, we sit down together and write letters listing what we’d love for Christmas, along with a promise to be on our best behavior!
This activity adds meaning to the morning and gives the kids a chance to reflect on their wishes and excitement for the season. Plus, it’s a lovely keepsake to look back on in future years. I swap out the letter to Santa before popping it in an envelope and I’ve kept them all safe.
Why We Love It
The North Pole Breakfast has become a cherished tradition in our home for so many reasons:
1. It Builds Anticipation: The excitement of waking up to find the elves have arrived and set up a festive feast is truly magical.
2. It’s Family-Centered: This is a moment for us to come together as a family and create lasting memories.
3. It’s Easy to Adapt: Whether you go all out or keep it simple, the breakfast can be tailored to suit your family’s style and schedule.
Tips for a Stress-Free Breakfast
If you’re thinking of starting your own North Pole Breakfast tradition, here are some tips to make it stress-free and enjoyable:
• Plan Ahead: Prep as much as you can the night before. Set up the table, prepare decorations, and pre-cut bread shapes or strawberries.
• Keep It Simple: You don’t need an elaborate menu. A few themed touches are enough to make the morning feel magical. I’ve seen some festive cereal in Aldi which might be all you need.
• Shop Smart: Look for bargains on decorations and festive tableware at discount stores or online.
• Get Creative: Use what you already have at home to create a magical atmosphere. A little goes a long way!
Bring the Magic Home
The North Pole Breakfast is one of our favorite ways to start the festive season, and I love how it combines fun, food, and a touch of magic. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but the joy it brings to the kids (and us adults!) is priceless.
If you haven’t tried this tradition yet, why not start this year? Whether you create a simple spread or go all out, the memories you’ll make are sure to last a lifetime.