Why one mom is leaving cookies for Mrs. Claus instead of Santa this year

Every Christmas Eve, families set out milk and cookies for Santa, the beloved figure who brings magic to children worldwide. But this year, Penny Middleton, a Connecticut mom, is switching things up — she’s leaving the treats for Mrs. Claus instead.

As reported by TODAY, Middleton’s new tradition has resonated with moms everywhere. In a TikTok video that’s amassed over 23,000 likes, 700 comments, and nearly 4,500 shares, she honors the “behind-the-scenes” hero who quietly ensures Christmas magic happens every year.

@pennymiddleton Mrs. Claus doesn't just deck the halls; she's the unsung hero ensuring the North Pole runs smoothly while Santa gets all the credit. 🤶🏾 👏🏽 #mrsclaus #christmas #newyork #ticktock #comedy #new #holiday #TikTokMagic #feminism #intersecionalfeminism ♬ original sound – Penny Middleton

Why Mrs. Claus deserves her own plate of cookies

Penny brings this idea to life with humor in her TikTok, imagining Mrs. Claus as the organized, proactive partner who gently nudges Santa to stay on task. She envisions Mrs. Claus patiently asking, “Have you actually written it down?” when Santa casually claims, “I know, I’m gonna make the list.” Mrs. Claus is even handling last-minute logistics, digitizing the gift list, and managing Rudolph’s health scare in the same breath.

It’s a funny but relatable scene for every parent who’s been in charge of pulling off a “perfect” holiday while juggling chaos. For Penny and her daughter Hadley, leaving cookies for Mrs. Claus has become a way to honor all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make holiday magic. They even write Mrs. Claus a thank-you letter for her role in the season’s magic. This simple act has sparked a movement of gratitude, inspiring others to honor the unsung heroes of the holidays.

Here’s a look at some of the funniest responses Penny’s video inspired:

• “Mrs Claus wants a latte and scones.” – @MrsMiddleAgeNC
• “This is the holiday content I need this year 😂” – Ohmygoshi
• “We ride at dawn for Mrs. Claus !🏇🤶” – @Alison

How a mom’s perspective sparked a new holiday tradition

The idea began last Christmas Eve when Penny, an actor and writer, stayed up late assembling a Barbie Dreamhouse for her now 4-year-old daughter, Hadley Jude. “If you’re a kid, you don’t want to wake up and watch your parents hunt for batteries — it’s kind of a bummer,” she told TODAY. Her husband didn’t understand at first, but Penny explained, “She’s not going to want to sit and watch you build it — she’ll want to wake up and play.” His response? “That’s really incredible, and I never would have thought to do that.”

The experience made Penny rethink the traditional Christmas story, putting Mrs. Claus in the spotlight and giving her credit for the unseen work that makes the magic happen.

The invisible labor of moms at Christmas time

For many families, Christmas magic seems to appear effortlessly — the decorations perfectly placed, the gifts beautifully wrapped, the holiday meals ready to serve. But behind this seemingly seamless cheer, there’s usually one person doing the heavy lifting: Mom.

Christmas time is a season that brings the concept of “invisible labor” front and center, especially for mothers. This unseen work — planning, prepping, and perfecting — takes time, energy, and an immense amount of love.

While Santa gets the cheers for the joy under the tree, it’s often Mom who’s ensuring the lights are twinkling, the cookies are warm, and the traditions are cherished. She’s the one tracking down each child’s wish-list items (even those impossible-to-find toys), remembering who needs what stocking stuffers, and making sure family traditions carry on.

From managing holiday budgets to writing holiday cards to planning meals and navigating holiday parties, moms make it all happen. And they do it with one goal in mind: to fill their homes with joy, warmth, and love. Often, this means sacrificing their own rest.

And then there’s the emotional labor: thinking ahead to make every guest feel welcome, each child feel special, and every tradition feel meaningful. It’s that never-ending mental checklist of things to do, remember, and anticipate. For many moms, Christmas isn’t just about creating memories — it’s about making sure everyone else has a smooth, magical holiday experience. It’s love in its purest form — even if it often goes unseen.

So this Christmas, maybe Mrs. Claus deserves her own plate of cookies — a small but meaningful reminder of the quiet heroes who make the season shine. Because while Santa may be the face of Christmas, it’s Mrs. Claus who’s holding it all together.