SHOP ALL GIFTS
Donate
A child fingerpaints a candy cane on green paper.

Advent Activity: A Fingerprint Candy Cane

It’s hard to look at a candy cane without awakening memories of Christmas in our hearts, but did you know this festive treat also reminds us of the Gospel? As you make this fingerprint candy cane craft, discuss the spiritual meaning as part of your family’s Advent observance. Bonus points for looking up the Bible references!

The legend of the candy cane’s origins is that a Christian candymaker wanted to remind children of the true meaning of Christmas with a sweet treat. Here is the Christian symbolic meaning of the candy cane:

  • The Letter “J:” When turned upside down, the candy cane forms a “J,” for Jesus. (Matthew 1:21)
  • A Shepherd’s Crook: When turned right side up, the candy cane forms a shepherd’s staff, reminding us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11)
  • Red: This reminds us of Jesus shedding his blood on the cross for our sins. (Matthew 26:2
  • White: This color symbolizes the sinless perfection of Christ. (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15)
  • The Stripes: “Stripes” is another word for wounds, which reminds us of Christ’s suffering on the cross. (Isaiah 53:4-6)
  • Hard Candy: This reminds us that Jesus is our rock. (1 Corinthians 10:4; Psalm 18:4)
  • Peppermint: This flavor symbolizes the gifts from the wise men, two of which were fragrant spices: frankincense and myrrh.

RELATED: Pray the O Antiphons this Advent

Make Your Candy Cane Craft

Materials needed:

  • Pencil
  • Paper — card stock works best, but any paper will do! Consider a festive color like green.
  • Red and white washable paint
  • Festive Christmas ribbon (optional)
  • Glue (optional)

Directions:

  1. On your paper, draw a candy cane shape lightly with a pencil.
  2. Pour a small amount of red and white paint on a paper plate or newspaper.
  3. Dip one of your index fingers in white paint and your other index finger in red paint.
  4. Alternate making red and white fingerprints on your candy cane shape until finished.
  5. If desired, use ribbon to make a bow. Glue the bow to the middle of your candy cane.

Share Your Craft

Now you have your candy cane art! Hang it on the fridge, or use it as a card for family, friends and teachers. We would love to see your creativity. Share your candy cane art on Facebook or Instagram and tag Cross Catholic Outreach. Visit our Advent activity guide for more activities that focus our hearts on God’s blessings to us in this special season!

Box of Joy is a registered trademark of Cross Catholic Outreach.

Donate to Make a Difference

$0.00$50.00
$0.00$100.00
$0.00$250.00
or
$0.00

Recent posts

Picture of Father Dave Caron, O.P.

Father Dave Caron, O.P.

Fr. David G. Caron, O.P., joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2021. Previously he was the Director of the Office of Evangelization and was the Promoter of the Jubilee Year of Mercy for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In 2015, he was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis and continues to serve in that capacity. Fr. Dave previously served as President and Assistant Professor of Liturgical and Sacramental Theology of Aquinas Institute of Theology. A former diocesan priest and parish administrator, he joined the Dominican Order in 2000. In addition to pursuing his passions of preaching, leadership development, evangelization, and liturgy, Fr. Dave has a deep admiration for Pope Francis’ invitation to the whole Church to go to the peripheries and there “accompany” the poor and others by modeling God’s mercy.

Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.