There are lots of sweet treats we enjoy at Christmas time, from candy canes to selection boxes and advent calendars. But where did they all come from? More often than not, we enjoy delicious festive treats without sparing a moment of thought for their origins. Don’t worry, in this blog, we explore the stories behind some of your favourite Christmas sweet treats. You’re in for a surprise!
Advent Calendars
Adults and children alike look forward to the first of December when they can finally open the first door of their advent calendar. But where did the idea for advent calendars come from?
Well, the idea supposedly came from a gentleman called Gerhard Lang who was inspired by a simplistic colourful Christmas countdown that his mother created for him. He took the design one step further and include small gifts, the idea took off. By the early 1900’s advent calendars, as we know them today, were widely popular. Do you have an advent calendar this year?
Candy Canes
Candy canes are an iconic symbol of Christmas, with their sweet peppermint flavour and swirly red and white design.
These delicious treats originated in Germany. According to folklore, candy canes were created by the choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral as a way to keep excitable children quiet during the church service on Christmas Eve (although we aren’t convinced this was an effective choice). He asked the confectioner to shape the sugary sticks into the shape of a shepherd’s crook to remind the children of the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus.
Selection Boxes
The history of where selection boxes came from is largely unknown. However, records suggest that during the 19th and 20th-century chocolatiers started to produce them and they became a popular gift but, in some cases, they would cost more than an entire week’s wages! Nowadays, the average child receives on average six selection boxes every Christmas!
Milk & Cookies
Leaving milk, cookies and a carrot out for Santa and his reindeer is something we’re sure you did as a child and has been done by children and parents alike for centuries. The tradition is based on an old Norse myth and became commercially popular during the Great Depression. Parents wanted to teach their children to be grateful for the gifts they received at Christmas by offering a small gift to Santa and his reindeer in return for delivering their presents. Adorable!
How many of these traditional Christmas sweets will you enjoy in your household this Christmas? Why not take a look at our Christmas sweets range? You might see something a little less traditional that you’d like to try this year!
View our Christmas Range >
