It’s already mid-December and the Christmas sweets and treats have been in the grocery stores for months. Chocolates shaped like snowmen, candy canes in a variety of sizes, sugar cookies, and holiday drinks are just some of the snacks that are available this time of year. According to Time Magazine (2017), 90% of candy canes are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Therefore, it is safe to say that Christmas definitely has an impact on our snack choices.

On campus, students and teachers are dressing up for Christmas, wearing silly sweaters and shirts, which seems like the perfect time to discuss festive treats. Junior Saher Asifi was drinking from a red, cheerful Starbucks cup, when she talked to The Banner News about her favorite Christmas beverages. Hot chocolate is a drink that she used to enjoy during the winter time. However, she eventually got a bit tired of the regular hot chocolate. Saher didn’t spend much time looking for a new favorite.

“My sister brought home Mexican Hot Chocolate one day, and I immediately fell in love with the drink!” Saher said.

She appreciates the spices, which elevates the drink to another level. The Mexican version is typically made with ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg and chilies, in addition to the classic cocoa powder or chocolate. Saher recommends everyone who would like to up their hot chocolate this year, to try Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Junior LaGayla Philliph recommends everybody to try Frosted Sugar Cookies. They are the best cookies to eat during Christmas as they simply taste amazing, according to LaGayla.

“I have always eaten them, ever since I was a kid,” she said.

She specifically suggests trying the red and green holiday cookies.

“The cookies with colorful frosting are nostalgic and taste better than they look,” LaGayla said.

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is a seasonal favorite of junior Alley Bartlett. She has a passion for baking and loves to explore new recipes, especially during the holidays. Her pumpkin cookies have a crispy outside and a soft inside filled with lots of spices. Alley likes to use seasonal ingredients for her baked goods.

“This year I am particularly excited to make my pomegranate pie, as I recently discovered a new recipe,” Alley said.

Pomegranates are great during Christmas as late fall is when most pomegranates are harvested. Her favorite snack is chocolate oranges. They are nostalgic to her and she tells The Banner News that it was her grandfather who introduced her to the treat.

“I love eating them during Christmas and would recommend everyone who has not, to try one,” Alley said.

Clearly the season has an effect on our favorite treats. Feeling inspired to try a new seasonal snack? Here is a link to 21 Easy Christmas Treats. Most students seem to enjoy cookies and chocolate-based treats this time of year.