I bought candy cane striped wrapping paper this year, decorated with candy cane striped ribbon, and I even wrapped our white dining room columns in thick, red ribbon to mimic a candy cane effect (see pic in "I'll Be Home for Christmas" post). I love candy canes--not only the refreshing, sweet taste and cheery colors, but the gospel message that comes with them.
The candy cane was created with Christian meaning when it began. The shepherd hook shape represents Christ, our Good Shepherd (I Peter 5:4) or some claim that upside down it is a "J" for Jesus. The candy is hard because God is our rock. (I Cor. 10:4) There are 3 stripes in a traditional candy cane, which stands for the Trinity. The red stripes also represent the bloody lashes and intense pain Christ experienced before He was crucified. The largest stripe is a bold red, standing for the blood He shed for our sins. (Ephesians 1:7) The white stripe shows us that Christ was spotless and washes away our sin when we place Him as Lord of our lives. (2 Cor. 5:21) The Peppermint flavor relates to the herb hyssop, which is from the Psalms verse about being washed clean with hyssop. (Psalm 51:7)
So, if you are a follower of Christ, tie a candy cane onto your neighbor's baked goods and make a little card telling the message behind the candy cane--the gospel message sweetly shared with another.
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