Keeping old traditions alive isn’t easy, but for the Giambri family in Clementon, New Jersey, it’s a big part of their daily life.

Since 1942, Giambri’s Quality Sweets has been making handmade candies, and for three generations, the family has given their all to create treats that make holidays feel extra special.

While December is usually a time for relaxation and holiday parties for most people, for the Giambris, it’s their busiest time of the year.

Their real celebration doesn’t start until December 26, after all the holiday rush is finally behind them.

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, they work tirelessly to keep up with the demand for their famous handmade candies.

As the third-generation owner, Dave Giambri knows the work can be exhausting, but he finds it incredibly rewarding.

For Dave and his family, this is carrying on a tradition that’s rare these days.

Giambri’s is one of the very few places in the country where candy canes are still made by hand, using an old-fashioned process that requires skill and effort.

Even though it’s a dying art, the Giambris are passionate about keeping it alive.

The story originally started with Vincenzo “James” Giambri, who came to the U.S. from Italy in 1903 when he was three years old.

Growing up in Philadelphia, James chose a different career path from his brothers, who became tailors.

By 1920, James had started working in candy shops, where he learned the craft and perfected his skills.

After spending years mastering candy-making, he opened his shop in 1942 and created everything by hand with help from his wife, Mary, and his sister, Jennie.

His candies, which included coconut treats and chocolate straws, quickly became local favorites.

When James retired in 1971 at the age of 71, he passed the business to his nephew, Anthony Giambri, Sr.

After taking over, Anthony moved the shop to Clementon, New Jersey, setting it up in an old dress factory.

Anthony grew the business with the help of his wife, Josephine, and their five sons—Anthony Jr., Joe, Sal, Matt, and Dave.

Even after a fire destroyed the factory in 1978, the family pulled together to rebuild it, which added a second story to handle the increasing demand for their candies.

Sadly, in 1980, James and Anthony passed away just four days apart, leaving Josephine and her sons to take over and continue the family legacy.

The family commendably carried on through thick and thin, and their hard work paid off.

Today, the business is run by the third generation of Giambris, led by Dave.

He has kept the traditions alive with his wife, Patty, their three kids, and other family members.

Although Giambri’s makes all kinds of candies, they’re best known for their hand-pulled candy canes.

They make around 50,000 to 60,000 candy canes every year in flavors like peppermint, pomegranate, and apple cinnamon.

For Dave, the best part of running the business is hearing from their customers.

Every holiday season, people send letters to share how much they love Giambri’s candies or how happy they are to find allergen-free options for their families.

Without a doubt, knowing that their work makes people’s holidays special keeps the family motivated to keep going.

Even though times have changed, Giambri’s still sticks to its roots.

To this day, they use the same recipes that James created in 1942, and a lot of the equipment they use is just as old.

Over the years, Giambri’s has grown, but they’ve stayed true to what makes them special.

In 2014, they were named New Jersey Family Business of the Year, a big honor for a small business that has always been about family and quality.

These days, you can find candies at their Brand Avenue store in Clementon or through retailers that sell them to a wider audience.

The Giambri family has worked hard to keep their traditions alive, and every candy cane, chocolate, and lemon straw they make is a little piece of history.

When you enjoy one of their treats, you’re tasting the result of years of dedication and love.

How sweet is that?