Yes, the holidays were mainly about family gatherings, gifts, and decorations, but the biggest part of it was also about food. As kids, the highlight of any celebration (be it Christmas, Diwali, or Eid) was the treats. There were many snacks for which we waited all year long, the ones that made festivals extra special. Here are 15 holiday treats that defined every childhood celebration.
Gingerbread Cookies – More Than Just a Snack
Gingerbread cookies were a full-on holiday activity for kids. Rolling out the dough, cutting out fun shapes and decorating them with icing and sprinkles was as exciting as actually eating them. Some were perfectly frosted, others were messy—but that was part of the charm. And let’s not forget the classic gingerbread house, which we spent hours building… only for it to collapse (or get eaten) within minutes.
Gulab Jamun – The Sweet You Could Never Say No To
There was something almost magical about gulab jamuns (one of the greatest Indian desserts). Watching them soak in sugar syrup and double in size felt like a science experiment for kids. These deep-fried, round golden dumplings were warm, syrupy, and had a way of melting in your mouth before you even chew.
Candy Canes – The Pretty Treat No One Actually Finished
They looked festive, tasted like Christmas, and were found in every stocking, yet most of us never actually finished a whole candy cane. After a few licks, the peppermint would start feeling too strong, or the stickiness would get out of control. But hanging them on the tree or pretending they were wizard wands? That was the real fun.
Latkes – Crispy, Golden, and Best Eaten Fresh
Latkes were a Hanukkah favorite. Made from shredded potatoes and fried until crispy, they were mainly eaten straight out of the pan, with a generous dollop of apple sauce or sour cream on top. The fun part was watching the adults argue over whether they should be thick or thin—because every family had their own “secret” way of making them.
Pumpkin Pie – The Dessert Worth Saving Room For
Thanksgiving dinners were long, and plates were always full with different dishes. But somehow, there was always room for pumpkin pie (everyone wanted to have some because the creamy filling, and flaky crust made it impossible to resist). And then came the whipped cream—because the real debate wasn’t about the pie but how much cream should go on top.
Mooncakes – The Sweet Gift That Felt Too Fancy to Eat
Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry enjoyed for centuries during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These delicious treats are round or square, often with scalloped edges. They have a thick pastry crust and a rich, sweet filling—red bean paste, lotus seed, or even a salted egg yolk surprise. Given in beautiful boxes, they almost felt too pretty to eat.
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows – Winter in a Mug
Nothing felt better than coming in from the cold and holding a warm mug of hot chocolate. The best ones were rich and creamy, topped with way too many marshmallows that melted into a gooey layer. Plus, if you made it with milk, it became a good source of Vitamin D and protein. Cocoa could also help boost blood flow, which might keep your memory sharp.
Pavlova – A Dessert That Looked Like a Snowy Dream
Pavlova is like a mix of a cloud and a cake. It’s light, sweet, and made with a crispy meringue shell, soft marshmallow-like center, and a pile of whipped cream on top. Fresh berries, fruit curds, chocolate, caramel, or candied nuts make it even better. It’s the kind of dessert you admire before taking a bite. With its snowy white look, it feels like a winter wonderland on a plate.
Besan Ladoo – The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Festive Delight
Besan ladoo is another famous Indian sweet made with gram flour, sugar, and ghee. The flour is roasted, either dry or in ghee, then mixed with the other ingredients. These sweets last a long time and are a festival favorite. If you were lucky, you got one with the perfect crunch of nuts inside. If not, well, that was just a reason to grab another!
Buche de Noel (Yule Log Cake) – The Christmas Cake That Told a Story
This wasn’t just a cake—it was an edible work of art. Shaped like a real log, complete with chocolate bark-like frosting and powdered sugar “snow,” the Buche de Noel was almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. Each bite of the soft, chocolate sponge cake rolled with rich cream filling was like tasting the holidays.
Kahk – The Eid Cookie That Came with a Tradition
Egyptian Kahk wasn’t just a cookie—it was a ritual. Families would gather to bake trays and trays of these sugar-dusted treats filled with dates, nuts, or Turkish delight. If you were a kid, you probably didn’t care about the filling; you just wanted to coat them in as much powdered sugar as possible (and get away with licking the extra off your fingers).
Rice Krispies Treats – The No-Bake Treat That Felt Like Magic
Rice Krispies treats were more than just easy to make—they were fun. Watching marshmallows melt into a gooey mess and mixing in the crispy cereal was always satisfying as a kid. The best part was shaping them into festive designs like snowmen, stars, or whatever you like. But one thing we all know was how most of them disappeared before they even made it to the party.
Stollen – Germany’s Fruitcake Done Right
Unlike the heavy and often unwanted fruitcake, Stollen was a Christmas bread everyone loved. It was filled with dried fruits, marzipan, and covered in powdered sugar. Rich and full of flavor, it tasted like the holidays in every bite. And if you let it sit for a few days, it got even better.
Mince Pies – The Tiny Pies with a Big Holiday Spirit
Mince pies have a confusing name. (Yep, we said it.) For those who don’t know, they’re small British Christmas tarts, about the size of a peanut butter cup. They’re filled with raisins, sultanas, cranberries, and other dried fruits soaked in spiced brandy or port. Long ago, mince pies actually had minced beef or lamb mixed in. Some even used suet (beef fat) or lard to hold the filling together. Luckily, most modern versions skip the meat.
Tamales – The Holiday Food That Took a Village to Make
Christmas meant a tamale-making day in many American homes. People would gather in the kitchen, work together to spread masa, add fillings, and wrap them up in corn husks. Tamales are also super versatile. They could be a main dish or even a dessert. In Mexican cuisine, they were a must-have for holidays like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Leave a comment