Today I went to the homeschool site for my information. I found almost a complete unit about the candy cane. First, the legend.

Legend goes that a candy maker from Indiana was trying to make a candy that would help everyone remember what Christmas is all about. He hit upon the idea for a candy cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus.

His creation began with a pure white hard candy. White symbolizes the birth of the Savior to a virgin. It also symbolizes the sinless nature of our Savior. The idea of a hard candy symbolizes the solid rock that our faith is built upon. God promises that he will always be with us.

The candy was formed into a letter “J” to represent the name Jesus – for the Bible tells us he is to be given the name of Jesus. If you look carefully at the “J” you may also see the crook that the shepherds used when they were out watching their sheep. Jesus is the “Good Shepherd”.

Next, the candy maker added red stripes. The red stripes represent the torture that Jesus endured during his trial and crucifixion.

Although this legend has faded why not revive it with your children and grandchildren. Every year we placed candy canes on our Christmas tree. Some of the canes were the traditional ones while others represented different flavors. When people visited, especially children, they were allowed to remove a candy cane to take home with them.

When my granddaughter and I attended craft shows with our wares we saw some candy canes made from plastic pipe. She told her mother about them and she and her mom created some for her brother and his wife as a Christmas gift. I am not sure where those canes are now but for years they were in the front room at his house. Maybe they have served their usefulness, and gotten dismantled. Who knows? They made a good gift though.

Several recipes were included with the information on the homeschool site. Children enjoy creating things to eat along with their lesson.

I include a couple of them here in case you are going to get the children involved.

HOT COCOA

4 c. milk

3 (1 oz.) squares of semisweet chocolate, chopped

4 peppermint candy canes, crushed

1 c. whipped cream

4 small peppermint candy canes

Heat the milk until steaming hot. Add the chocolate and crushed peppermint candy. Allow them to melt and get smooth. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream. The candy cane makes a good stirrer.

PEPPERMINT BARK – YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY IT, MAKE YOUR OWN

1 package white candy coating

§ c. crushed peppermint candy

I use some candy canes for this because they crush easily.

Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray lightly; set aside. Heat candy coating in a heavy saucepan over low heat. When it is melted you are ready to begin.

Stir in crushed candy canes. Pour into the prepared baking sheet. Spread out to be about 3/8″ thick. The thickness is not crucial, but it needs to be cracked up later so do not let it get too thick. Let candy cool to room temperature. Lift the foil and crack the candy into small bites. Store in a covered container. Makes about 1 lb, of candy.

I am sure you can find other recipes if you like the peppermint flavor.

The important thing is to work with the children stressing the true meaning of Christmas. The treats are just extra. Of course, the camaraderie is a bonus. Who does not like to do something with grandma?

There was also text for a piece for your Christmas play. If you are interested go to www.homeschooled-kidscom/candycanelegend. It is real cute and would add meaning to your program.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.