Taste of the Past: A Review of Long-Forgotten Holiday Treats
What special treat at the holidays was a favorite when you were a child but is no longer a favorite or now it is impossible to find? This article weaves a nostalgic tapestry of childhood favorites that have faded into memory, including the elusive Clear Toy Candy, the peppermint balls from Revco, and the beloved Christmas cookies dusted in red and green sugar. Each treat holds a unique place in the fondest memories of the holidays.
Clear Toy Candy: A Vintage Delight
One such treat that brings back fond memories of my childhood are the Clear Toy Candies. They are small, solid candies shaped like lollipops, adorned with intricate ribbon patterns, and filled with smaller, often unknown, toys. These candies were a source of joy and wonder during the holiday season, especially around Christmas. They were like tiny treasures, both edible and full of surprises. Unfortunately, these candies have disappeared from the market, making finding them a modern-day miracle.
Revco's Peppermint Balls: A Cinematic Sensation
Another nostalgic treat that brings me back to my preteen years is the peppermint balls from the local Revco drug store. These candies were wrapped in mint green metallic canisters with red lettering, creating a festive and nostalgic charm. The peppermint balls themselves were soft and had a shiny, almost candycane-like appearance. They were delicate, dissolving like cotton candy on the tongue, providing a delightful minty taste. These treats were a staple during the holiday season and something my family and I still miss dearly.
Christmas Cookies Dusting in Red and Green Sugar
The Christmas cookies dusted in red and green sugar were another beloved tradition during the holiday season. My mother, who has a sweet tooth and passed this trait down to me, would always purchase these cookies. The small butter or shortbread cookies, cut into festive shapes, were the perfect size to share. They came in a plastic tub, which also added to their charm. Although they were relatively inexpensive, the love and care that went into making them made them truly special. The red and green sugar dusting was a beautiful touch that made each cookie unique. To this day, I love to seek out similar cookies during the holidays, but nothing quite matches the nostalgia and joy they once brought.
A Treat That Came Back
A treat that left us during a transitional period of my life but has now returned is the homemade holiday treats my mother made. Before I started school in the 6th grade, my mother was a full-time homemaker who dedicated her time to baking countless holiday treats. She had a whole counter covered in tins packed with various homemade delights. However, when she began working part-time for the school system, our holiday treat schedule changed. She would still make some treats, but as schedules shifted, she rarely had the time to make any homemade treats. It wasn’t until recently, after several years of retirement, that my mother returned to her holiday baking traditions. The table was once again loaded with tins packed with all the Christmas treats, bringing immense excitement and a sense of holiday nostalgia.
These treats not only taste like the holidays but also bring back cherished memories of my childhood and the traditions passed down by my grandmother. While some treats are no longer available, the joy and nostalgia they bring remains.