The Sweet Connection Between Candy and Christmas (2024)

November 06, 2013 · in Content Marketing

There is no denying that candy and celebrations go hand-in-hand and Christmas is no exception. What is Christmas without candy canes? Candy plays an essential role in the festive weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year, making Christmas the third biggest holiday for candy sales.

Candy canes, chocolate Santas, Hershey Kisses and ribbon candy all signify winter celebrations and add a sweet touch to holiday parties. For just this one holiday, the United States produces 1.76 billion candy canes each year. Beyond simply eating and enjoying, candy is used in countless recipes and crafts during the Christmas season, whether it’s in a recipe for a cookie exchange or to keep the kids busy decorating a gingerbread house. Candy as a gift – either as a stocking stuffer or in a gift swap – is also extremely popular, especially with the prevalence of higher-end chocolates like Lindt and Ghirardelli.

The Sweet Connection Between Candy and Christmas (1)

Here are a few impressive stats that illustrate the impact that candy has on Christmas and the winter holidays:

  • 51% of overall candy consumers purchase seasonal or holiday candy. (Supermarket News)
  • The United States produces 1.76 billion candy canes each year. (Historychannel.com)
  • The Natl. Confectioner’s Association polled 1,000 adults and 89% said candy played a role in their holiday by:
    • Placing candy in a bowl: 72%
    • Giving/receiving a box of chocolates: 70%
    • Giving/receiving a holiday stocking filled with goodies: 63%
    • Creating a gingerbread house: 19% (National Confectioners Association)
  • More than 150 million chocolate Santas will be made for the winter holiday season. (National Confectioners Association)
  • 28% of people buy candy for holiday entertaining. (Supermarket News)

Posted by Katie Petrillo

The Sweet Connection Between Candy and Christmas (2)

The Sweet Connection Between Candy and Christmas (2024)

FAQs

How are candy canes related to Christmas? ›

The white of the cane can represent the purity of Jesus Christ and the red stripes are for the blood he shed when he died on the cross. The peppermint flavor can represent the hyssop plant that was used for purifying in the Bible. However, all of these meanings were added to Candy Canes after they had become popular.

How did peppermint get associated with Christmas? ›

The big mystery is when confectioners started to add peppermint to candy canes, which were a Christmastime treat. The unconfirmed legend of the candy cane itself is that a German choirmaster asked the candy maker to add a shepherd's crook to the candy stick to remind kids of the nativity scene, but nobody really knows.

What is the oldest Christmas candy? ›

One of the oldest traditional candies eaten for special occasions like Christmas is marzipan. This almond-based confection dates back centuries, with origins in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Each region has its own uses for the sweet.

Why are candy canes red and white? ›

In 1847, he made a candy to symbolize Christ. The cane's "J" shape stands for Jesus; when turned upside-down, it becomes a shepherd's staff. The white color signifies purity; the red represents Christ's blood, shed for the world's sins, and three red stripes symbolize the trinity.

Why do people hang candy canes on Christmas trees? ›

During the 17th century, when Christmas trees began appearing, people decorated them with candy sticks and cookies. The first historical reference to a candy cane with a hook was back in 1670. A choirmaster bent the candy to look like a shepherd's hook. These candies were easier to hang on a tree.

How many candy canes are made around Christmas? ›

1.76 BILLION candy canes are produced every year. 3. December 26th is National Candy Cane Day. 4.

What do peppermints symbolize? ›

In antiquity mint was better known as a symbol of wisdom and virtue. But peppermint has also been described as plant of passionate love which stands under the influence of Venus.

Why does Santa give out candy canes? ›

It is said that in 1670, the choirmaster at a cathedral in Cologne, Germany sought a solution to keep the children quiet during their lengthy Living Creche ceremony held on Christmas Eve. He began giving out sugar sticks to help appease the children as they patiently waited for their turn to sing.

What is the tradition of the peppermint pig at Christmas? ›

Using a small, metal mallet, each person at the table gives the pink porker a thwack, and shares a story of their good fortune from the past year. Once everyone has had a turn, the sack is dumped out and the piggy pieces are shared among the guests, in the hopes of ushering in another year of happiness and prosperity.

What is the best Christmas candy? ›

Top 12 Best Christmas Candies!
  • Haribo Giant Trees.
  • Fort Knox Gold Ingots.
  • Peeps Candy Cane Marshmallow Chicks.
  • Terry's Chocolate Orange Minis White Chocolate UK.
  • Christmas Hot Chocolate Bomb.
  • Maltesers Mini Mint Reindeers UK.
  • Kool-Aid Candy Canes.
  • Bailey's Salted Caramel Truffle Bar.
Nov 20, 2023

What is the oldest candy bar still made today? ›

Fry & Sons and currently manufactured by Cadbury. Launched in 1866—nineteen years after Fry's created the first moulded, solid chocolate eating bar (in 1847)— Fry's Chocolate Cream is the first mass-produced chocolate bar and is the world's oldest chocolate bar brand.

What does an upside down candy cane mean? ›

This hard candy was shaped so it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd's staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Who invented the candy? ›

The idea of candy began by the caveman who ate honey. The first candy was used by the Ancient Egyptians for cult purposes. In ancient times, Egyptians, Arabs, and Chinese made candies with fruits and nuts that caramelized with honey. The two oldest candy types are licorice and ginger.

What do candy canes symbolize? ›

Cane: Is like the staff used by the shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our “Good Shepherd.” The Color Red: Is for God's love that sent Jesus to give his life for us on the cross. The Stripes: Remind us of Jesus' suffering-his crown of thorns, the wounds in his hands and feet; and the cross on which he died.

Why is Santa associated with Christmas? ›

Origins. Early representations of the gift-giver from Church history and folklore, especially St Nicholas, merged with the English character Father Christmas to create the mythical character known to the rest of the English-speaking world as "Santa Claus" (a phonetic derivation of "Sinterklaas" in Dutch).

What do candy canes represent Catholic? ›

If we choose to follow Him, He will gently lead us to safety and peace. The red stripes on candy canes symbolizes Christ's sacrifice and the white background, His purity. Reflection: Lord, you came to shepherd and guide us. Gently guide us to the path of salvation at times when we may wander.

Is it true that reindeer like candy canes? ›

Do reindeers like candy canes? Candy canes are sweet and, like most of us, reindeer cannot resist them. But unlike most people they always regret eating them. Candy canes are hard on their little tummies.

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