The Christmas season is in full swing, and our family is keeping busy with our Christmas prep and activities. We have a large Santa advent chart that my kids look forward to every year. I put a different activity in each day, and it’s such a fun way to make the most of our December! If it weren’t for the accountability of the chart (and thus, my kids ;) ), I definitely wouldn’t do as many fun things throughout the month, because I’m always “too busy”. Having a large chart hanging up that my children run to first thing every morning definitely makes it a higher priority for me!

One simple activity we always do is read the Candy Cane Poem. As much as I love Santa and lights and cocoa and all those things, I want my children to remember the true reason for this holiday, and I try to incorporate activities that will focus on our Savior. This candy cane poem is perfect for just that.

I’ve seen a couple different versions out there, and here’s the one I’ve used:

• Look at the Candy Cane,
• What do you see?
• Stripes that are red
• Like the blood shed for me.



• White is for my Savior
• Who is sinless and pure.
• “J” is for Jesus, my Lord,
• That’s for sure!



• Turn it around
• And a staff you will see
• Jesus my shepherd
• Was born for me!

I love this simple reminder of the true reason for the season- especially because kids will see candy canes everywhere they go! It’s a constant reminder of their Savior- the whole reason we even have a Christmas!

I love giving each child their own candy cane while we read it, so it’s especially memorable and hands-on for them. But you could definitely vary it a little! It could be fun to have an entire candy cane meal! Slices of mozzarella and tomato could be laid out in the shape of a candy cane, and would make a healthy and tasty appetizer! You could achieve the same look with slices of banana and strawberries. Breadsticks could be shaped into staffs, or even sugar cookies if you want something sweet! You could make pancakes in the shape of candy canes, and then decorate with strawberries and whipped cream to get the correct coloring. Be creative!

I actually think it would be really neat to make a whole experience of this little poem. Rather than just reading it and handing out candy canes, making an entire evening of candy canes. Eating food in the coloring and shape of candy canes, and then using that mealtime to reflect on the deeper meanings found in the poem. What exactly does it mean that Jesus is our shepherd? What has He given us? Why did He die for us? And of course, celebrating his resurrection and glorious life. I think this would be a perfect holiday evening- something fun, memorable, and focused on our Savior.

What would you serve with this candy cane poem? I’d love to hear your ideas below!