From the Mind of Michael: Candy Canes

(From the Mind of Michael is a small series of thoughts and observations from Michael, one of the Youth Group Leaders.  The views and opinions expressed here are solely that of Michael McCracken, and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Loving Grace Alliance Church, the Christian and Missionary Alliance... or any one at all.)

Due to my attraction for candy canes, cheap prices, and my son's unusual sleep schedule, I found myself in Wal-Mart this morning at 7:00 am.  Yes, candy canes.  The simple candy that I crave for about two months a year, is now available at my local Wal-Mart.  I noticed candy canes were available in Joann Fabric last evening, so I figured that if candy canes were already popping up in fabric stores, then Wal-Mart should be stocking them by now, too.

I cannot explain why I like candy canes so much.  I can tell you that I like the original peppermint.  I've tried the different brands and different flavors, and some of them were tasty,  But when I go to the store, I prefer the standard, red and white, peppermint candy canes.

It's kind of strange, really.  I don't really like peppermint gum, or peppermint and chocolate flavored after dinner-mints, or those little round peppermint candies.  (I do like peppermint hot cocoa, but I think that falls under the "I like Hot Cocoa" category.)  There's just something about peppermint candy canes that I really like.

I did some thinking on this before, and I think it goes back to my childhood.  I remember going to the store with my parents to get candy canes for Christmas and my birthday.  Christmas and my birthday were always happy times, and I remember only be able to get candy canes around that time of year.  I also remember going to place called Chestnut Ridge Park outside of Buffalo, NY for their Christmas hay-ride and Santa Claus sing-a-long attraction.  Hot cocoa, red and green sugar cookies, and candy canes were prominent there.  (Oddly enough, I really like all three of those things.)

Anyway, my inclination was correct.  Christmas candy is already lining the Seasonal aisle of Wal-Mart.  Red, Green, and white packaging was abundant.  And, on the shelves, were rows of candy canes.  Brach's seemed to be ahead of the game this year.  Lots of their stuff was front and center.  The normal brand of Bob's was nowhere to be found.  Still, no matter, I found the candy canes.

A box of the 65-count mini candy canes now sits in my truck.  However, only 64 candy canes and 1 (now) empty wrapper are present.  I do like to share my candy canes as much as I like to eat them.  So, I will be bringing them to church on Sunday, (or the ones that make it to Sunday).  Feel free to ask me for one.

That's all for now.

-Michael