December 6 is the Feast of St Nicholas, which has two distinct traditions. Children in Western European countries put their shoes out in the hall for the Saint to fill with goodies. Also children (and others) enjoy candy canes, commemorating the Saint’s Bishop staff. In Catholic Schools in the United States, these two traditions are often convoluted, as children leave their shoes outside the classroom to have the Saint put a candy cane in them.
Apparently there is also a blessing for candy canes:
May these sweets, these candy canes,
be a sign of Advent joy for us.
May these candy canes,
shaped just like your Bishop’s staff,
be for us a sign of your benevolent care.
Wherever these candy canes are hung,
on tree or wall or door,
may they carry with them
the bright blessing of God.
May all who shall taste them
experience the joy of God
upon their tongues and in their hearts.
We ask God, now, to bless
these your brightly striped sweets
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Image: http://www.dw.com/en/why-st-nicholas-puts-candy-in-boots-and-stole-our-hearts/a-18889948