Traditions Give Back Through Hickory Farms + No Kid Hungry

Momma Told Me: We do it because it's tradition.

What is tradition?

I like to argue that a tradition isn't the act of doing something, it's a feeling.

The best traditions are not just repeated in ceremony year in and out. and, while some can be tasted, and others heard, the very best of traditions are meant to be shared, and are always felt. It's that stirring inside that generates warm tidings and cheer, the excitement over an event that marks the dawn of another valued memory, the passing of time, and the importance of honoring this moment now, and every moment before it. Yes, my favorite traditions vary from our own little family, to generations back, yet all are worthy of being shared.

One of our traditions, gifting Hickory Farms, signifies the start of a season, the end of a year, and the flavors that unite a family from clear across the country. Enjoying my father's Hickory Farms Summer Sausage Christmas afternoon while talking on the telephone with my grandparents in Massachusetts, is a tradition that highlights my childhood holiday memories. No matter where I was, or where they were, we always had a Hickory Farms gift box under our tree come Christmas morning. Whether it was the satisfying crisp of delicious crackers and cheese, or gourmet confections and nuts, the holiday flavors simply would not be the same without Hickory Farms and our family.

Hickory Farms understands this, and the importance of tradition, which is why they give back year round with companion efforts for No Kid Hungry, and a commitment to our armed forces. The company not only provides year-round free shipping to any active military address, worldwide, but has also contributed more than $4 Million dollars to the No Kid Hungry organization. (Visit www.hickoryfarms.com for details.) In addition to raising awareness and collecting donations directly on behalf of the charity, Hickory Farms also donates a percentage of profits from specially marked products. Right now you can gift a Hickory Farms Signature Party Planner gift box and $5 of the purchase will be donated to No Kid Hungry. I absolutely love giving gifts that go beyond the moment, to continue giving to those in need!

The Signature Party Planner gift box is precisely the type of gift we would've chosen from the catalog to gift to my grandparents, across country, as a young girl. The company has always been committed to quality and freshness in their products so it is a natural pairing for the company to support No Kid Hungry, an amazing organization that fights to ensure every U.S. child can have a healthy, fresh, meal. Just $1 donated can help feed a hungry child up to 10 meals- that's a potential of 50 meals donated with a single gift purchase this holiday season!

As we practice and discuss our own family traditions, here in our house, giving back is at the top of our priorities. In fact, the very first thing I do when I begin seeing seasonal merchandise hit shelves is ask around and research where the local canned goods and toy drive collections will be for the year. For us giving back is more than a seasonal tradition, it's a year-round tradition. I begin collecting gifts and food for donations the very day after I drop I current collections off! It's not only something I am personally passionate about, it's a tradition that is contagious- and I love to see the new generations taking charge and getting involved too!

Whether your family has, or starts, their own Hickory Farm tradition, why not discuss the importance of giving with those who matter most? Even a discussion can help put the wheels in motion for something amazing. And, in this season of giving, isn't that really what it's all about? How do you or your loved ones like to give back during the holidays or year round? Is there an exciting program in your community that inspires you to give?

What Daughter Says: Give back this holiday season and help your traditions feel even more meaningful.

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. #HickoryTradition