The Origins of Christmas Legends and Traditions We Didn’t Know

Candy canes, a festive favorite, reign as the top-selling non-chocolate candy in December. Their story begins in 1670 Germany, where the original red and white peppermint sticks were first created. These sweet treats made their way to America in 1847, thanks to a German-Swedish immigrant in Wooster, Ohio, who popularized their use as Christmas tree decorations.

The candy cane’s journey to holiday stardom was sealed in the 1950s with the invention of an automated candy cane-making machine, propelling this simple confection to a staple of Christmas celebrations and a symbol of holiday cheer.