Family Holiday Tradition Idea: Magic Reindeer Food Ingredients and Instructions

When my oldest daughter was in 2nd grade, her school PTO hosted the sweetest little Holiday Craft Fair. The kids wandered from table to table making homemade gifts—ornaments for the grandparents, a snow globe for a friend, even a wreath for our front door. But the biggest hit? A tiny brown bag labeled Magic Reindeer Food.

I had never seen Magic Reindeer Food before, but that simple bag of oats and sparkles became an instant Christmas Eve tradition in our house. And here we are—more than 15 years later—still recreating it every December.

If you're looking for a fun, magical, and easy Christmas Eve tradition for your family, sprinkling Magic Reindeer Food on the lawn is a guaranteed hit. Below is our go-to recipe and step-by-step instructions to make your own.

What You Need to Make Magic Reindeer Food

(These are kid-friendly, inexpensive supplies—perfect for classrooms, PTO events, or a cozy Christmas craft night at home.)

Ingredients for the “Reindeer Food” 

• 2 c. Rolled Oats
• 1/4 c. Colored Sugar Crysals (We love Blue Wilton Sugar and Silver Pearlized Sugar because they because they sparkle in the moonlight—even without snow.

 Supplies for the Reindeer Bag 

• 1 Large Brown Paper Lunch Bag
• 2 Googly Eyes
• 1 Medium Red PomPom (Rudolph's Nose!)
• 1 Printed Magic Reindeer Poem, Cut Out (From Below)
• 2 Reindeer Antlers (Printed and Cut out from The Template Below)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape (Optional)

How to Make a Magic Reindeer Food Bag (Step-By-Step)

1. Gather and Prep Your Supplies

Print the Magic Reindeer Food poem and reindeer antler template. Cut everything out and set it aside.

2. Shape the Reindeer Face

Fold the top corners of your lunch bag inward so they meet in the center, creating a point at the top.
Move about 1½ inches below that fold and crease straight across to form the reindeer “forehead.”

3. Attach the Poem

Flip your bag over and glue the printed poem onto the back, about an inch below the fold.

4. Add the Reindeer Food

Pour the oats and colored sugar crystals into the bottom of the bag.

5. Create the Reindeer Face

Glue the folded top flaps down to seal the bag.
Add googly eyes and the pom-pom nose to the front.
Attach the antlers to the back using glue or tape.
(If you want sturdier antlers, glue them to craft sticks before attaching!)

6. Get Ready for Christmas Eve Magic

On Christmas Eve, bundle up (or head out in your pajamas—no judgment!), take the bag outside, and sprinkle the reindeer food across your yard.
Watch the sky together and listen for sleigh bells—because even when the kids outgrow the Santa years, this moment brings back the magic.

Why We Love This Christmas Eve Tradition

This simple DIY project has become one of my family's favorite holiday memories. It gets the kids outside, sparks their imagination, and brings just the right amount of Christmas wonder. And as a bonus? Rolled oats and sugar crystals are wildlife-friendly, so you won’t hurt any real reindeer—or backyard critters—who come looking for a snack.