A Gretna resident has found a way to make the Christmas season merrier—and sweeter.
Since 2022, Deidre James and her family have provided what they call a “Candy Cane Forest” for their friends and neighbours. The branches of the evergreen trees in their front yard are decorated with the timeless treats, and any passerby is invited to help themselves.
James recalled how the concept began.
“Years ago, my son came home from daycare absolutely over the moon about a Candy Cane Tree he and his friends had discovered during a walk. As he told me all about it, I realized how much joy something as simple as a candy cane could bring. That moment sparked the idea, and I decided I wanted to share that same kind of joy with our own community.”
They started with just two small Christmas trees. Since then, they’ve added a few more, and are currently keeping five trees loaded with candy canes.
There’s a heartfelt longing behind this project. James says things just haven’t been the same in town since two of their social hubs closed.
“Our town has been without a convenience store or restaurant for over a year now, so we don’t cross paths as a community as much as we used to. The Candy Cane Forest has become a small but meaningful way to bring people together. It’s a chance for kids to get outside and connect, all while enjoying the fun of discovering new candy cane flavours.”
Her kids love being a part of this colourful offering.
“They visit it often and help restock the candy canes whenever it’s running low.”
The Candy Cane Forest is set up right along the sidewalk.
“So we encourage kids and adults to grab a candy cane anytime,” says James. “Whether they’re on their way home from school, heading to the post office, or just out for a walk, it’s there for everyone to enjoy.”
James says the popularity of the Candy Cane Forest reached an all-time high this year.
“We’ve had some new families move into the area, and our neighborhood is filled with little ones who stop by regularly.”
Why candy canes? Well, aside from the easy way they hook over the branches, James has some cherished memories attached to them.
“I’m always on the lookout for unique candy cane flavours to share with the community. As a kid, I remember Santa giving me a butterscotch candy cane at the mall, and I’ve never been able to find those again as an adult. We’re only a week into the season and have already given out nearly 150 candy canes. It’s a great start and we love to see it.”
She plans to continue this offering for many years to come.
“Last winter I ran into a man at the post office who told me the Candy Cane Forest is ‘just magic’ for his grandkids. The truth is, it’s magic for me too, and I’m already looking forward to setting it up again next year. Every time I see someone stop by or hear their excitement; it makes me feel like a kid again. The snow, the lights, the rosy cheeks—it really is magic.”
