In the Arctic wild, reindeer live in a liminal space — the tundra plain between the timberline and the polar ice cap. They eat lichens, as well as the leaves of willow and birch trees, and grasses. However, Santa's domesticated reindeer prefer a specialized diet — and, no, it isn't hot cocoa and sugar cookies. "Reindeer are very picky eaters," says Tracy Snowman (yes, that's her real name), who along with her husband, Scott, owns Snowman's Reindeer in Canton, Illinois. The Snowmans are former educators who welcome visitors to their reindeer farm year-round. "There is no lichen available down in the lower 48 United States, so we use a grain mix developed by the Reindeer Research Project based out of the University of Alaska. It is a carefully balanced protein/fat mix that is ideal for their needs. We also feed premium alfalfa hay, but in small amounts, as the hay can cause bloating." With this specially balanced diet, Santa's reindeer stay fit enough to fly 'round the world — at least once a year.