Utah’s Favorite Christmas Candy is WHAT?!!?

So with Halloween behind us, we can put the candy craze behind us for another year, right? Not so fast. While we may not spend the record $12.2 billion that was spent on candy this last Halloween, a lot of us will be buying, giving, and eating Christmas candy in the next few weeks.

Christmas candy holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world, serving as a delectable symbol of the holiday season. As winter settles in and festive decorations adorn homes, the sweet aroma of candies fills the air, bringing warmth and joy to both young and old.

When I was a kid, Christmas was the only time of the year we had See's Candy. When we went to grandpa and grandma's house there was always a box of the See's chocolates waiting for us. See's started in Southern California, and so when I left there I figured my days of See's Candy were done, but their operation has grown, and so between online and a couple of locations here in our area (Red Cliffs Mall and the Cedar City Hospital) where you can get See's I'm able to continue my tradition.

Another thing I like about Christmas candy is the abundance of mint flavored confections. One of the most iconic Christmas candies is the candy cane, with its red and white stripes and peppermint flavor. The cane shape is said to represent the shepherd's staff, symbolizing the humble beginnings of the Christmas story. Peppermint bark, another favorite, combines the richness of chocolate with the crispness of peppermint, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. It embodies the essence of winter, invoking the feeling of cozying up by the fireplace on a snowy evening.

But it appears here in Utah, we go a different direction when it comes to our favorite Christmas sweet treats. We won't know what comes out as Utah's favorite Christmas candy this year until the season concludes, but according to CandyStore.com, our most most popular Christmas candy for 2022 was the....Hershey Kisses.

I'm a bit underwhelmed. Especially when you consider that Sweet's Candy, the maker of the delectable Orange Sticks, is right here in Utah. But we seem to be happy with the more mainstream choices. Reindeer Corn, in other words Candy Corn with a different paint job was the second most popular candy in the Beehive state. Third most popular here was M&M's.

I might have to concede the M&M's because they do come out with the mint flavored holiday candies. To me, by in large however, our Christmas candy choices seem pretty bland.

But, the joy of Christmas candies extends beyond taste; it's also about the shared experiences they create. Making candies together becomes a cherished tradition, fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie. Whether it's rolling out cookie dough, shaping marzipan, or hanging candy canes on the tree, these activities strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. So if that's in the mix, I guess it doesn't matter what our most popular candy choices are.

Christmas candies are not merely confections; they are symbols of tradition, creativity, togetherness, and generosity. Their sweet presence enhances the festive atmosphere, making Christmas not just a season of joy but a season of delectable delights that bring people closer, creating memories that last a lifetime.

So, whatever your favorite Christmas candy is I hope you get some over the next several weeks and enjoy the warmth and happiness that comes with it.

And, if you happen to have a box of See's you don't know what to do with, I can help you with that.