Many people love including their animals in holiday celebrations, and horses have long played a central role in holiday traditions across the globe.
I was born in the Netherlands and vividly remember leaving my shoes by the fireplace on December 5th, filled with carrots and hay for the beautiful white horse ridden by our version of Santa Claus, Sinterklaas. Dressed in a long red cape embroidered with gold braid, a pointed red hat, and a large ruby ring, Sinterklaas was a striking figure. If his horse approved of the treats left for him, children would find small gifts and candy in their shoes the next morning. If not, a lump of coal or a switch might appear instead! In neighboring Belgium, Santa’s horse goes by the whimsical name “Slecht Weer Vandaag,” or “Bad Weather Today”—a fitting nod to the typical December climate in that part of the world.
In Mordvinia, Russia, horses are considered family members, especially during the holidays. They are treated to feasts of bread and pies baked in the shape of horses, along with Christmas dinner leftovers. The belief is that if an animal is well-fed during the early days of the New Year, it will remain strong and healthy throughout the year.
In Norway, the day after Christmas is St. Stephen’s Day, honoring the patron saint of farm animals. Horse owners perform a special ritual, drawing fresh water for their horses to drink. According to tradition, no two horses should drink from the same bucket on this day to ensure health and vitality. In Ukraine, a similar practice involved placing a silver coin in the horses’ water for good fortune. On the same day, herdsmen for the upcoming year were chosen, and their payment was agreed upon.
In Costa Rica, December 26th brings the vibrant celebration of El Tope, an equestrian parade that highlights the cultural importance of horses. Riders dress their horses in flamboyant, brightly colored skirts and parade them through town alongside painted carriages and lively marching bands. The day also features horse racing and other equestrian events.
In Serbia, the season of “Little Christmas” features young men running through towns ringing bells and clanging horseshoes to ward off evil spirits. On Christmas morning, children scatter straw on the threshing floor, and horses are driven over it to thresh the grain with their hooves. This grain is later used to bake festive bread, a portion of which is shared with the horses.
Horses are even part of holiday love predictions in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. During Yuletide divination rituals, young women would use horses to foresee their romantic futures. A girl might sit backward on an unsaddled horse, take its tail in her mouth, and observe where the horse wandered. If the horse moved toward the gate, marriage was in her near future; if it moved toward the stable, she’d likely stay single for the year. Another ritual involved filling aprons with corn—whichever girl’s corn the horse ate first would be the first to marry.
In the United States, the tradition of “Horse Christmas” began in 1916 in Boston, Massachusetts. At the time, horses were the primary mode of transportation, and many were overworked and malnourished. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, founded by George Angell, launched Horse Christmas to improve their welfare. A Christmas tree decorated with carrots, apples, sugar cubes, and corn was set up in Post Office Square, offering treats to passing horses. This tradition spread to nearby towns and cities, becoming a cherished annual event until the early 1950s.
Anna Harris Smith, founder of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, famously said, “Why not give these faithful, hardworking servants of ours some little Christmas treat? Why not have Christmas for horses?”
Why not, indeed?
Comments