I have had a lot of people ask me how to make these in the last little while so I thought I would share how to do this and a little about why I make these holiday ornaments.

When I was a child, we spent many Christmas holidays making candy cane airplanes. Most people have never heard of these, as I think it was something my family had done for many years as a tradition. It started as a fun way to decorate our tree every holiday in memory of my Grandfather Gordon Latham who passed away too young. My mother would speak fondly of him and we would reflect on his achievements and his character as we made these in memory of him. He was a bush pilot who had a significant impact on the North, especially in Yellowknife. He loved people and had a tremendous heart and people loved him, so much so that an island, Latham Island was named in his honour. My Grandfather unfortunately passed away before I was born but I was lucky enough to visit Latham Island a couple times and hope to one day show my children it.

I want to share with you how we make these Christmas airplanes and making these has even more significance these days as my Mom is no longer with us and I will continue this tradition in the family. I hope that if you feel inclined to make these, you can enjoy the joy that my family and I get from making these every year.

I’d love to see your candy cane airplanes, so please share or tag me with photos. If not, no worries but I hope you have some type of tradition you do as a family and I would love to hear about it. For me, this time is special to connect with my family and to reflect on these special people in my life.

THE PROCESS

You Need: Circle candies (I use Lifesavers)
Elastics
Candy canes
Stick gum (I use Juicy Fruit)

Making these is quite simple actually. You need a thin stretchy elastic (not too long) and you put it through the two lifesavers.

Next, you put one piece of stick gum through the elastic on top of the lifesavers.

Finally, you put the candy cane through the hole remaining under the gum and above the lifesavers. Just like that you have yourself a candy cane airplane.