It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and that means one thing: candy canes! Candy canes are a classic holiday treat, and National Candy Cane Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate all things peppermint. Every December 26th, we celebrate this holiday tradition with friends, family and of course lots of candy canes! So grab your favorite red-and-white striped candy stick, because we’re about to explore the history behind this wintertime favorite and how you can make the most out of National Candy Cane Day. From decorating tips to recipes for homemade treats, let us show you just how sweet this day can be.
What is National Candy Cane Day?
National Candy Cane Day is a holiday that falls on December 26th each year. The day celebrates the candy cane, a popular Christmas candy. Candy canes are made of sugar and peppermint flavoring and are often used as decoration on Christmas trees.
On National Candy Cane Day, people all over the country enjoy eating candy canes and sharing them with friends and family. Many stores also offer special deals on candy canes this day. Some schools even have parties or events to celebrate the holiday.
National Candy Cane Day Wishes, Quotes and Messages
The History of Candy Canes
The candy cane has been around for centuries and its origin is still somewhat of a mystery. One theory is that the candy cane was first created in Germany during the 16th century. The candy cane is said to be shaped like a shepherd’s crook, which was used to hook onto the clothes of sheep so they wouldn’t wander off. The red and white stripes are also said to represent the colors of the German flag.
Another theory suggests that the candy cane was actually invented in America by a choirmaster who wanted a way to keep his young charges quiet during long holiday church services. He is said to have twisted hard candy into the shape of a cane and handed them out to the children. The red and white stripes are thought to represent the purity of Jesus Christ.
Whatever the true origins of the candy cane may be, this festive treat has become a holiday staple in homes all around the world. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to celebrate National Candy Cane Day, why not try your hand at making your own candy canes?
How to celebrate National Candy Cane Day
Celebrate National Candy Cane Day on December 26th by enjoying your favorite candy cane treat! If you’re looking for something new to try, why not make your own candy canes? Here’s a easy recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
¾ cup sugar
⅓ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring
Instructions:
1. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in a few drops of red food coloring.
3. Pour the mixture into a mold or onto a Silpat mat and let it cool completely. Once it’s hard, break or cut it into pieces and enjoy!
Recipes for Candy Canes
Candy canes are a holiday tradition that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some recipes for candy canes that will make your holiday season sweeter!
Candy Cane Surprise Cookies: These cookies are made with a candy cane hidden inside. When you bite into them, the candy cane will add a festive and surprising twist to the cookie flavor.
Candy Cane Bark: This easy recipe only requires two ingredients- chocolate and candy canes. Simply melt the chocolate and stir in crushed candy canes. Pour the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper and let it cool. Once it’s set, break it into pieces and enjoy!
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate: This delicious hot chocolate is made with milk, chocolate, and peppermint extract. Top it off with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy candy canes? Share your favorite recipe in the comments below!
Fun Facts about Candy Canes
Did you know that candy canes were originally white? It wasn’t until the early 1900s that they were dyed red and green. And if you’re wondering why they’re striped, that’s because candy canes were once hand-painted!
Candy canes are a traditional Christmas treat, often given out to kids or hung on trees. But where did they come from? Here are some fun facts about candy canes:
1. Candy Canes Were Originally White
That’s right – the first candy canes were actually all white! It wasn’t until the early 1900s that someone had the idea to dye them red and green, which are now the most popular colors for candy canes.
2. Candy Canes Were Once Hand-Painted
Before mass production, candy canes were individually hand-painted with stripes. This was a time-consuming process, so today’s machine-made candy canes are much more uniform in appearance.
3. The Shape of Candy Canes Is Based on a Shepherd’s Crook
The hooked shape of candy canes is based on a shepherd’s crook, which was used to herd sheep. It is said that this shape represent Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” who watches over his flock (i.e., humanity).
Conclusion
National Candy Cane Day on December 26 is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. It gives us a chance to appreciate all of the delicious candy that makes this time of year special, and it also provides an opportunity for us to get creative with our own recipes and enjoy some homemade treats as well. From making traditional versions or adding unique ingredients, there are plenty of ways you can make your candy cane celebration everything you want it to be. So why not take full advantage of National Candy Cane Day this year and have some fun?
NATIONAL CANDY CANE DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | December 26 | Monday |
2023 | December 26 | Tuesday |
2024 | December 26 | Thursday |
2025 | December 26 | Friday |
2026 | December 26 | Saturday |
YEAR | DATE | EVENT |
2022 | December 26 | Boxing Day |
2022 | December 26 | Kwanzaa |
2022 | December 26 | National Thankyou Note Day |
2022 | December 26 | Day of Goodwill |
2022 | December 26 | Junkanoo |
2022 | December 26 | National Candy Cane Day |
2022 | December 26 | National Homeowners Day |
2022 | December 26 | National Whiners Day |
2022 | December 26 | Slovenia Independence and Unity Day |
2022 | December 26 | St. Stephen’s Day |