Christmas Candy: Facts and Traditions You Need to Know

The Christmas season is unimaginable without Christmas candy, gingerbread houses, Christmas desserts, candy canes, leaving cookies and milk for Santa, decorating Christmas trees, and drinking eggnog while wearing ugly sweaters. From its ancient roots to modern Christmas celebrations, the holiday is filled with various traditions.

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December and is both a religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christians celebrate it as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. But the tradition of winter celebration has roots long before even Jesus was born.

Centuries ago, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. The end of December was a perfect time for it. It was the time when most cattle were slaughtered, wine and beer were finally fermented, and most families had supplies at home. 

Before the fourth century, Easter was the main holiday for Christians, but later church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as an official holiday. Although the Bible does not mention the exact time when Jesus was born, Pope Julius I chose December 25 for the celebration. It is commonly believed that the date was chosen to adopt the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival.

Popular Christmas Candy Names

1. Candy Canes
2. Gingerbread Houses
3. Cookies and Milk for Santa
4. Eggnog
5. Christmas Fruitcake
6. Candy Cane Mint Kisses
7. PEZ
8. Candy Cane M&Ms 
9. Reindeer Corn
10. Twix Yard
11. Starburst Merry Mix
12. Reese’s Peanut Butter Trees
13. Jelly Belly Christmas Mix

Christmas Traditions

Have you ever wondered who came up with the idea of a decorated Christmas tree? Or who did Santa Claus bring the first presents to? Or what is the most popular Christmas candy? Some Christmas traditions date back to the Middle Ages. Now they have become inevitable parts of Christmas celebrations all around the world. 

Christmas Tree

Pagan traditions included using the green leaves of evergreen trees to decorate houses during the winter. It was not until the 1500s that evergreen trees became associated with Christmas. Decorated trees date back to Germany in the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, Germans and other Europeans brought the tradition to America.

Initially, Christmas trees were decorated with roses made of colorful paper, apples, tinsel, or wafers. Later, the candles were added to illuminate the tree. Today, there are huge varieties of Christmas ornaments and decorations to choose from. 

When do you usually put up a Christmas tree and start a celebration? In Western Christian traditions, Christmas trees are erected as early as First Advent Sunday or as late as Christmas Eve. Do you have a special tradition for decorating Christmas trees? 

Santa Claus

Do you still write letters to Santa Claus and wish for him to come down your chimney and bring presents? Santa Claus or otherwise known as Saint Nicolas has been part of the Christmas celebration for a very long time. 

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced a hundred years back to a monk named Saint Nicolas. He was admired for his kindness and has become the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all his possessions and traveled to help the sick and poor. The legends about Saint Nicolas have spread quickly, and eventually, he became the protector of children. 

Today, Santa Claus is seen as a jolly man, wearing a long white beard and red clothes. On Christmas Eve, he brings toys and Christmas candy to well-behaved boys and girls. Millions of children around the world wait for Santa to come during Christmas time and make their wishes come true. 

Buy Christmas Candy Online

Popular Christmas Candy, Treats and Traditions

Holidays are unimaginable without delicious treats. There are dozens of Christmas candy traditions around the world. During the winter, families fill their trays with various Christmas treats. Are you interested in why gingerbread houses and candy canes became essential parts of Christmas? Read below to find out. 

1. Candy Canes

Do you enjoy eating delicious Candy Canes during the Christmas season? Or do you hang them on the Christmas tree as a decoration? No matter how you enjoy them, Candy Canes are the number one selling non-chocolate candy during December. 

Candy Canes date back to 1670 in Germany and are a symbol of the simple roots of Christianity. It has the shape of a shepherd’s stick and is usually a red and white striped, peppermint-flavored candy. They are a popular Christmas candy as well as excellent decorations for your Christmas trees.

2. Gingerbread Houses

All of you probably had a Gingerbread House decorated for Christmas at least once, but have you ever wondered how the history of it started? A Gingerbread House is a confectionary that is made of cookie dough and has the shape of a house. The records of this honey cake can be traced back to ancient Rome. 

The tradition of making decorated Gingerbread Houses started in the 1800s in Germany. The first Gingerbread Houses were the result of the famous Grimm’s tale “Hansel and Gretel”, in which two abandoned children find an edible house in the forest, made of bread with sugar decorations. 

In modern times, tradition has spread worldwide, and today a lot of families enjoy decorating Gingerbread Houses during the Christmas season.

3. Cookies and Milk for Santa

For many years, American children have been leaving cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve, but have you ever wondered how this tradition started? It was not always cookies and milk, but families would have live Christmas stockings filled with delicious treats to show their thankfulness and welcome Santa to their houses.

Americans began the tradition during the Great Depression to show gratitude during times of struggle. Today, leaving cookies and milk is a well-established tradition. The most popular cookies to leave out are Oreos or regular Chocolate Chip Cookies. Which Christmas cookies do you leave out for Santa? 

4. Eggnog

However surprising it might be, Eggnog has been a popular Christmas drink since the 1700s and is a real holiday treat. The drink first made its appearance in the American colonies in the 18th century. It was especially popular during Christmastime, because of the warm temperature and the addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean. 

There are two types of eggnog: one contains alcohol, while the other does not. You can make it at home or buy already prepared eggnog at the supermarkets. Here’s an interesting fact, President George Washington even had his own special recipe for eggnog. 

5. Christmas Fruitcake

Not only does the fruitcake last a long time, but it also has a long history dating back to ancient Rome and is the most well know Christmas desert. The recipe for this famous Christmas cake is about 2000 years old.  It is a mix of dried fruit, nuts, spices, and, optionally, brandy or other spirits. 

Fruitcake is probably the most hated and under-appreciated treat, which has become the subject of holiday jokes many times. For example, President Johnny Carson said that “the worst Christmas gift is fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other. “

The Most Popular Christmas Candy

Like many other holidays, Christmas is one of the most important periods for candy manufacturers, as they are trying to offer special varieties and Christmas candy editions of their most popular sweets. Here’s a list of some of the most popular candies during Christmastime. Which one is your Christmas candy favorite? 

6. Candy Cane Mint Kisses

Every year, Hershey’s offers a variety of Christmas candy editions like Hershey’s Holiday Mix, Giant Hershey’s Kiss, etc. But Candy Cane Mint Kisses are one of the most popular Christmas Candy during the holiday season. 

You can guess that the candy cane theme is very popular during Christmastime. Candy Cane Mint Kisses are red and white striped mini chocolates with candy bits in them, and they come wrapped in fancy candy cane print foil. They definitely deserve a place on your Christmas tray.

7. PEZ

PEZ candy dispensers have been popular for a while. From being a smoking substitute to being one of the most exciting and fun candies to share with your friends.

PEZ dispensers come with special characters on them, so for Christmas, there is a huge variety of PEZ character choices to enjoy. Some of them include popular Christmas symbols such as Santa Claus, Elf, Reindeer, Christmas tree, snow globe, and dozens more. Which PEZ character do you usually choose for the holiday season?

8. Candy Cane M&Ms 

Christmas is all about Candy Canes, so the M&Ms offers fun variations of packaging for holiday candy editions. There is candy cane packaging full of milk chocolate M&Ms as Christmas candy. When you see red and green coated M&Ms in the form of candy canes at the supermarkets, you know the celebration is about to start. 

They are great for filling stockings or exchanging sweets with family members or friends. Candy Cane M&Ms truly bring the Christmas spirit into the air.

9. Reindeer Corn

Do you enjoy Candy Corn? Imagine them “dressed” for Christmas in the colors of red, green, and white and you get Reindeer Corn. They taste like regular candy corn and are as tender and chewy as the original ones. The colors just bring the holiday spirit. 

They come in a bulk package, which makes them the perfect candy to share with others. You can serve this Christmas candy in a decorative dish or you can bake it into cookies. This classic treat has a great holiday twist.

10. Twix Yard

Which Twix side is better, right or left? The best is the Twix Yard, which is a combo of Twix full-size Christmas candy cookie bars. There are 18 individually wrapped full-size Twix bars. The Right Twix is made of crunchy cookies, rich caramel, and milk chocolate. The Left Twix is made with crispy shortbread, caramel, and milk chocolate. 

Twix Yard is perfect for giving as a gift or sharing at the Christmas table. Which side are you on? 

11. Starburst Merry Mix

Starburst Merry Mix contains red and green colored fruit chews in cherry and strawberry flavors. From the varieties of Starburst flavors, only these two – Strawberry Blitzen and Cherry Cheer are available as Christmas editions. 

If you enjoyed chewy candy in your childhood, Starburst Merry Mix will give you a nostalgic and jolly feeling at the same time. Cherry and Strawberry flavors create an excellent duo for celebration. 

12. Reese’s Peanut Butter Trees

Peanut Butter Trees are heaven for Reese’s lovers. They taste just like the regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but it’s the Christmas tree shape that gives this Christmas candy special significance.

It will definitely add cheer to your holiday and make the whole family satisfied. Each Reese’s tree is separately wrapped, so it’s a great treat to include in the Christmas tray. Besides trees, Reese’s also offers snowman and bell shapes during Christmas. 

13. Jelly Belly Christmas Mix

It’s hard to find a person who does not enjoy Jelly Beans. Jelly Belly Christmas Mix tastes as it came right from the North Pole. The colors red, white, and green undoubtedly express the Christmas spirit.

They are also great to take as gifts, use for decorating the Christmas table or just share with your friends. 

Christmas Candy Commercials

Christmas Candy The Bottom Line

Are you a chocolate lover? Do you prefer white chocolate or dark chocolate? Or the cookie person? Maybe you enjoy taffies or hard candy from time to time. It does not matter which side you take, Christmas is the season to satisfy everyone’s favors. Candy manufacturers are trying really hard to meet the demands of all ages and create variations that will be fun, exciting, and delicious at the same time. 

Starting with decorating the Christmas tree, it is a period full of happiness and joy. What makes families closer to each other than sharing their favorite Christmas Candy while decorating the Christmas tree? The tradition goes way back, and Christmas is unimaginable without family gatherings. 

Waiting for Santa Claus is another exciting part of the Christmas celebration. Especially for children, who are impatiently waiting for Christmas Eve to find their dream presents under the Christmas tree. They are attempting to be well-behaved in order to deserve the toys and Christmas candy they have requested.

And, of course, mince pies, chocolate truffles, chocolate fudge, pretzels, almonds and marshmallows are essential snacks at Christmas time. People are making Gingerbread houses and Gingerbread cookies to give them away as gifts or to swap the sweet treats with their guests. Fruitcakes are made in advance to be ready for the Christmas table, ready to be eaten with cream, and are an essential ingredient to the special day. Christmas trays get filled with homemade cookies. Sharing care, love, and Christmas spirit is what the holiday is about. What about you? What is your favorite Christmas candy? Do you have special Christmas traditions?

Christmas Candy FAQ