Traditionally Speaking...

This time of year has its own theme music along with distinct traditions our families have embraced for generations. You might be surprised to know that early colonists were divided on the issue of Christmas. Pilgrams who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 were not fans of the celebration. While other colonists brought their holiday traditions with them from Europe, it's really only been since the 1800's that Americans began celebrating Christmas in earnest. Since that time though, it's become a grand event in the heart of winter when it's nice to have some warmth and good cheer. We just passed the yearly milestone of Black Friday when retailers have come to celebrate being in the black, financially, for the first time during the year. That's how important the season is to many small businesses. For families, it has become important as well. Holidays are a time for families and friends to come together to enjoy fellowship, joy, goodwill, cheer and peace. Some families are even able to do a little fence mending during the holidays. The holidays bring along a sense of renewed thankfulness and appreciation for blessings we enjoy and challenges we've overcome. Winter was a harsh time for our ancestors, so a little celebratory enthusiasm was just the ticket many needed to overcome winter's dark and dreary days.

The traditions that developed over the centuries have helped create memories that extend into current and future generations. You probably have some of your favorites. Just think about the eye candy, decorations, lights, intoxicating smells, flavors, and sounds of the holidays. Our senses get a flood of stimulus during this time of year. Maybe your favorite holiday tradition is watching Christmas movies. There's quite a few worth watching in various genres from each decade. It's A Wonderful Life (1946), A Christmas Carol (1951), A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), The Gathering (1977), A Christmas Story (1983), Home Alone (1990), Elf (2003), and on and on. There are a bunch, and you likely have your own favorites. Maybe your family celebrates with extremely ugly sweaters, caroling, church candlelight services, or building gingerbread houses. Share your favorites with us on social media. Maybe you'll win some converts to your favorite traditions. However you celebrate the season, we hope you have a wonderful holiday with as little stress and as much joy and peace as possible.

If you're still searching for the perfect food lover gift, stocking stuffers, or if you need a holiday main course, please see our eGift Cards, Biltong, New Pili Hunters, Nutraceuticals, Sauces, Sample Farm Bundles, Grass-fed and Pasture-raised Roasts and Turkeys for a healthier holiday. 

Well Wishes, Team USWM