Holiday Traditions Matter because…

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Everyone has holiday traditions whether they realize it or not. We tend to be creatures of habit but more than anything, I think we tend to be creatures of nostalgia.

When I was growing up, the holidays were my absolute favorite time of the year. It was one of the few times we had family come to visit and there were memories of years gone by that we were sure to repeat. I didn’t even realize how significant some of those memories were until I reflected on how they’ve carried into my own family traditions.

The Raising of the Artificial Christmas Tree

They don’t make trees like they used to (thank God). We had a worn wooden pole that we would assemble and then we had to gingerly fit the color coded branches into the holes. Except the color coding was mostly faded so we had to estimate which branches seemed smaller than the others. There was no attempt for the tree to look lifelike. It had big, green, plastic needles and at least once a year, our German Shepherd, Buffy, would lay under the tree and somehow knock the entire thing over.

 When I got older, I swore I’d never have an artificial tree. And now, I’ve finally succumbed to the ease of pre-lit, lifelike tree that allow us to put up a tree right after Thanksgiving (if we so choose). In fact, we actually have two full-sized tree and one mini tree.

The Hanging of the Elf

While that sounds like something most parents would like to do around this time of year, it’s not nearly as morbid as it sounds. One of the ornaments that always went on the tree was a plastic-faced elf dressed in gold lamé. I’m sure my mom still has the original packed away somewhere but I found his likeness online. LOOK FAMILIAR?

 That’s right. I think Santa sent us an elf back in the 1970s to watch us and it wasn’t until recently that he decided to resurrect that practice with the Elf on the Shelf. And now, we have our very own plastic-faced elf. But luckily, he’s ditched the gold lamé.

Christmas Morning Buns

When the holidays roll around, I see people posting about their elaborate French Toast on Christmas morning or their make-ahead egg extravaganza or their divine homemade chocolate chip pancakes.

We had none of that but I loved Christmas morning anyway. My mom would buy Hostess Sweet Rolls, usually cherry flavored.

Back in the day, they came in a disposable aluminum pan. So as we were winding down from our present unwrapping extravaganza, she’d place a pat of butter on top of each roll and warm them up in the oven. It was sheer heaven and it was the only day of the year we ate them.

In my house, we’ve carried on the tradition replacing the sweet rolls with cinnamon rolls, usually popped straight out of a can and baked fresh. It’s the only day of the year we savor these sweet treats.

The Tradition of Giving

Our family was always very big on the idea of gift-giving. Whether you consider it the true meaning of Christmas or not, we all did it because it brought us all joy on that morning. And for the same reason, my family continues the same tradition. Not only do we give each other gifts but we are sure to bring a hostess gift for Christmas dinner at a relative’s house and we are also sure to remember those less fortunate than us.

I’ve already got a table full of toys and bags full of food ready for donation in the hopes that it helps to create some of the same happy memories for someone else that I had as a child. Because those memories become traditions for them as they get older.

In the spirit of traditions and giving, I’d like to invite you to consider making Hickory Farms part of your holiday tradition for three main reasons.

1. Hickory Farms offers a variety of specialty foods and holiday food gifts that are perfect for any budget and for everyone on your list this year. My favorite is the Party Planner Gift Basket that I sampled and gave away last month (I hope she and her husband have enjoyed it!).

2. Last year, many people mentioned to me that Hickory Farms has been part of their holiday traditions for as long as they can remember. For more than 60 years Hickory Farms has been providing holiday shoppers with options that not only present beautifully, but also taste delicious.

and finally (and more importantly)

3. Hickory Farms is proud to support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Share Our Strength is the leading non-profit organization working to end childhood hunger in America. For each Party Planner gift box sold this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry. Campaign.

I’d love for you to reach deep into the recesses of your brain and tell  me about some of your favorite holiday traditions, whether it’s the aluminum tree of 40 years ago or the Santa inflatable on your front lawn right now!

Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms.