Why Candy Season Makes Me Happy As Someone Who Grew Up In The ‘90s

Anyway, when I was just a child, Candy Season largely meant Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Those are the occasions when I would get handfuls and bagfuls of candies, mostly from my father’s colleagues at school, from some of my classmates, and from some cousins and aunts.

To be honest, though, I didn’t like all candies, especially the fruit-flavored ones, because they were sometimes too sour. I prefer the caramelly, milky, or buttery types (and chocolates, of course). I remember my heart being full and happy whenever I had plenty of candies.

Even as a child who grew up receiving candies on Christmas and Valentine’s Day, I have strongly associated candies with Halloween. I know, Halloween was not yet a thing in the Philippines in the ‘90s, but I also grew up watching a lot of cartoon shows on TV. 

They were American cartoons, so Halloween is very much a part of many episodes. I grew up wanting to experience the Halloween season, and while it looked far-fetched for a long time, I’m happy because modern Philippines has adopted the celebration. Kids dress up and ask for candies while clutching their pumpkin buckets. I'm happy because, as a dad, I get to be a kid from time to time because of my own children (toys, candies, playtime). I like Halloween for the horror movies, decorations, and candies.

I think I somehow carried that memory up to adulthood because I would sometimes catch myself being too excited whenever I was at the candy section of a grocery store. Call me weird, but I just love looking at them. I don’t necessarily have to consume them because again, I only like the buttery ones (like Butter Ball) or caramel and chocolate candies. I also like that they remind me so much of my youth.

Have you noticed that candies or their boxes and packaging have mostly retained their ‘90s design? That’s why just by looking at them, happy childhood memories come flooding into my mind. 

I particularly like the Nerds candy box design because it looks quirky and fun. I also like the classic look of Snickers candy bar, Mars bar, Baby Ruth, Crème Egg (not a choco bar though), M&M's (also not a choco bar), etc.

Not candy, but equally sweet – soda and juices! I like the Mountain Dew bottle design because it reminds me of my elementary school days. I'm not sure, though, if Hi-C juices are still around in the Philippines. I wish they were.

Anyway, do you also like Candy Season?

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