Discover the origins of your favourite Novelty Christmas Sweets…

‘Tis the season to be jolly – and what better way to do that than by delving into the long forgotten origins of our favourite festive goodies? If you’re searching for some Christmas sweets ideas that’ll work perfectly as a last-minute stocking-filler, we’ve got you sorted!

It’s time to eat, drink and be merry – so join us, as we explore the novelty Christmas sweets ‘yule’ be mad to miss out on this festive season…

Advent-ures at Christmastime!

During the countdown to Christmas, kids – and adults alike, enjoy nothing more than their daily dose of chocolatey goodness. Advent calendars have become a holiday staple over the years, but have you ever wondered… Where exactly does this age-old tradition come from?

Well, like many other aspects of modern festive practices, the Advent calendar finds its roots in Germany. From the early 19th century, German Protestants began marking the build up to Christmas by either burning a candle, or – more simply, scoring walls and doors with a line of chalk each day. This developed into them hanging daily religious imagery, ultimately leading to the creation of the first hand-made Advent calendar, in 1851.

Nowadays, these novelty Christmas sets come in all manner of shapes and sizes – extending to much more than just your bog-standard, milk chocolate version. If you’re bored of having the same old shop-bought varieties, why not create your own?

Not only is designing a customisable Advent calendar great for keeping the kids busy this November, it also allows you to choose your own goodies to include.. Mix things up a little with some classic American candy, traditional toffee – or any other treat you fancy!

Bake a House, a Home!

While the first known gingerbread recipe dates back to 2,400 BC in Greece, the idea for figure-shaped pieces came about much later. In fact, gingerbread men are often credited to the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who would dish out biscuits in the likeness of her guests, as the ultimate party-favour. In the following centuries, shaped gingerbread became popular across Europe, with figures and models given out as gifts on religious holidays.

Just like Advent calendars, the concept of using gingerbread to craft miniature houses originated in Germany during the early 1800s. Initially inspired by the publication of Hansel and Gretel in 1812, it has since become a family tradition enjoyed at Christmas markets around the world.

These days, people are creating more extravagant gingerbread constructions than ever before, so why not give it a try? There’s plenty of mouth-watering inspiration out there to get your festive hearts pumping! Whether it’s liquorice, bon-bons or chocolatey bites, add your favourite novelty Christmas sweets, and create a delicious design ‘yule’ be proud of!

Cane you believe it’s almost Christmas?

If you’re struggling to get your gingerbread man to stand up on his own, why not give him a candy cane? Sure, Christmas cookies are always a popular choice – but these striped delights are something you can really get hooked on during the festive season.

While there are many theories surrounding the invention of candy canes, it’s believed they date back as far as 1670. Legend has it, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany handed out sugar sticks to keep his younger singers occupied during the Nativity. In honour of the occasion – and to appease any religious naysayers, he bent them to resemble the curve of a shepherd’s crook.

Over the years, candy canes have become synonymous with the festive season. Sure, they’re not the most exciting of treats out there, but at least they’re always in mint condition.
Not only are these traditional Christmas sweets delicious, their hooked end makes them perfect for spruce-ing up your seasonal decorating. Hang them from your tree – alongside a variety of other novelty Christmas sweets, and you’ll soon have a tree-mendous looking centrepiece, that’s sure to leave everyone pine-ing for a taste.

Go Retro for Christmas!

When it comes to traditional Christmas sweets, we’re proud to say we’re on Santa’s good list. With our wide variety of treats, you’re sure to find something for you among our ever expanding line of options. From singular sweets to festive combo platters, take a look at our online store – and see which sugary delights take your fancy…

We even do vegan, gluten-free, gelatine-free and halal sweets – so kids of all backgrounds and nutritional requirements can get involved in the festive fun!