DEAR SUN SPOTS: I used to purchase a candy called “cream mints” for my mother during the holidays. This year I can’t find them anywhere. I’m also wondering if these are something I can make at home. Please help. — Lorna, no town

ANSWER: I am very familiar with those candies and I miss them too. I used to pick up a box of them every time I went by Hebert’s Candies near Stow, Massachusetts. They have been discontinued there because they weren’t selling enough of them and they have a short shelf life.

I have seen the candy in The Vermont Country Store catalog (vermontcountrystore.com). Yummies Candy & Nuts at 384 State Road (US Route 1) in Kittery also carries them in a variety of flavors and colors. They are referred to as “creme mint wafers” and are $3.99 for a box of 10. The number is 877-498-6643.

I’m including a recipe for the candy. I’ve never made them, but it’s tempting to give it a whirl. (My favorites are lemon and orange.) Readers, let us know if you’ve had success with a homemade version. It really looks easy.

To make cream mints, beat together 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter or 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 package (16 ounces) sifted confectioner’s sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract or other flavoring of your choice and 3 or more drops food coloring. This soft dough can be rolled into small balls and flattened with a fork, or rolled into a log then chilled and cut into wafers before adding the characteristic lines. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes about a dozen candies.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m interested in finding out the earliest facts about St. Nicholas. I think it’s so sad the way he has been so commercialized. — Nan, no town

ANSWER: There are so many books out there about Christmas traditions and customs. Yet again, I urge everyone in Sun Spots Land to use your local libraries. It really can be fun to do the research if you have the time. I’m happy to help though!

As for The Man of the Hour, Santa Claus’s origins date back to the third century. There really was a monk named Nicholas who lived in modern-day Turkey. His parents left him with great wealth which he distributed to those in need. He was known for his generosity and kindness and lived a “wonderful life” helping the sick and the poor. His saintly feast day came to be celebrated on Dec. 6, the anniversary of his death.

The legend of Santa Claus or “Sinter Klaas” came to America by way of Holland around 1773. A newspaper reporter wrote about how Dutch settlers in central New York gathered to celebrate the feast day. About 40 years later, the writer Washington Irving helped to popularize the Sinter Klaas stories when he referred to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book, The History of New York.

In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” otherwise known as “The Night before Christmas.” This poem, which Moore was hesitant to publish, is largely responsible for our modern image of Santa Claus.

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