Chocolate – it seems that everyone loves it. Chocolate has been a part of so many traditions for generations, including holiday ones. Today, families all over the globe use chocolate in a number of festive ways.
When you think of holidays, you probably think of turkeys, pies, and sweet treats that wait for you in your stocking hung above the fireplace. But chocolate is something that has become part of many family traditions throughout the globe.
Christmas Fun
For a number of Western nations, chocolate is closely associated with Christmas. It’s one of the yummiest treats that families enjoy when winter rolls around.
For Canadian families and many others, the tradition to buy advent calendars and fill stockings with goodies brings joy to everyone each year.
Giving chocolate as a Christmas gift is probably based on the tradition of giving small, fancy gifts to express gratitude, love, and affection. And it has other bonuses too. For starters, it is inexpensive, can be shared with many people, and is frankly adored by everyone, which makes it enjoyable for the entire family.
Gelt
Jewish families are well aware of how chocolate can enhance the holidays. Chocolate gelt are small foil-wrapped coins that symbolize the gifts of real coins. They are commonly used by Jewish families in all kinds of Hanukkah celebrations. During this holiday, kids are given chocolate coins as prizes while playing Dreidel. The history of gelt giving has been around for centuries, and it is a modern way to continue this tradition and bring happiness to the entire family.
This gold-foil-wrapped chocolate is not only delicious but also carries a very special significance for Jewish families, reminding them of Hanukkah’s roots and the miracle it celebrates. Many Jewish families will share gift bags that are filled with delicious gelt during Hanukkah and help spread sweetness with friends and family.
Easter
Like Christmas and Hanukkah, Easter and chocolate are also closely associated, especially in countries like Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Easter Sunday is marked with various spring symbols like chocolate eggs, bunnies, and hidden treasures for children to discover in Easter egg hunts around their homes or gardens.
This special Easter egg tradition has its origins tied to ancient times and is related to renewal and new beginnings, while the modern chocolate egg has gained popularity in Europe, specifically thanks to chocolate companies from France and Germany.
Today, Easter eggs are made in a wide range of styles, from the more basic versions to more elegant, hand-crafted eggs that look like a work of art. In countries like Switzerland and Belgium, Easter egg hunts usually feature highly designed, specially-made eggs that are a true delight in every single way, in both their look and taste.
Conclusion
Chocolate is now a widely understood symbol of all kinds of celebration because it represents joy, love, and closeness during the important holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas, Easter, and beyond.
No matter the time of year, chocolate has become a special treat for each culture and has become a permanent and welcomed holiday tradition that brings its own special sweetness. Chocolate’s ability to be enjoyed in many ways makes it a beloved part of this special time of year for families all over.
Chocolate can come in many forms and many styles and the good news is that it’s always delicious and makes every holiday even better. No matter the occasion and the cause, chocolate is there and it is ready to help you make memories that will last a lifetime. The best news about chocolate is that it is appropriate for any holiday and any occasion.
