Make Some New Holiday Traditions with Hickory Farms #HickoryTradition #ad

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

It wasn't until I became a "grown-up" and had children of my own that I realized how hard my parents worked to make sure I had a really amazing childhood.

All of the birthday cookouts, the Easter egg hunts at Nannie's house, the hand-made, coordinating Halloween costumes, my very favorite cotton candy body spray every year in my Christmas stocking, watching all the campy Christmas movies with my parents... all these traditions still stand out in my mind 30 something years later.

Since having my own kids, I have tried to keep these old traditions alive, while starting a few of my own. Every year, I get each of the kids their own ornament to hang on the tree. We also like to put on our pajamas and pile up in the car and go look at Christmas lights and decorations around the neighborhood or if no one is feeling quite that ambitious, we like to watch old Christmas cartoons together.

Unfortunately, some of these traditions are getting harder and harder to keep alive. With one kid away at college, one kid who works a lot (and, at 21, isn't really a kid anymore) and one kid who would rather be at home, watching Minecraft videos, it can get rather discouraging, but that doesn't stop me from trying (and making new ones)

A new tradition I started this year, is the idea to gift the kids one item from four categories... Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read. Since they already have so much stuff, I decided to stick to the basics this year. Yep, that means socks and undies for all.

Although we are not what one would call "wealthy", my family is very fortunate. We have a home that is full of love and laughs, we have electricity, we have running water, we have a car that gets us to fun places and the kids never miss a meal... we really can't complain. Unfortunately, 1.5 million homeless children can't say the same thing.

According to a 2012 study, more than 1 in 9 children come from "food unstable" households, meaning they don't have consistent access to adequate food. While other kids are complaining because they didn't get the newest video game, others are wondering where their next meal will come from. 

It's very sobering to think about, but thanks to companies like Hickory Farms and programs like "No Kid Hungry", hopefully, one day, we won't need to have these conversations.

Hickory Farms, America’s most famous holiday food gift brand, enjoyed by holiday shoppers seeking the perfect gifts for family and friends for over 60 years has been partnering with "No Kid Hungry" since 2008 and in that time has donated over $4 million dollars to the cause.

While we aren't all million dollar companies, we can still do our part to help. For every Signature Party Planner purchased this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to "No Kid Hungry". 

Signature Party Planner

Whether you're looking for savory goodies like their award winning summer sausage or maybe something a little more on the sweet side, like their decadent white and dark chocolate bark, Hickory Farms has you covered!