The Peppermint Pig

Trying to catch back up on posts...internet issues have stalled me.

A few years ago, we began a peppermint pig tradition at my grandparents' house for Christmas. I believe that mom and I ran across the pig in a Hearth Song catalog and thought it might be fun to try. Now it's turned into one of my very favorite parts of Christmas!

The pigs are made by a company called Saratoga Sweets. There's a story that accompanies the pigs, which tells us of how the peppermint pig came to serve as a symobol of good health, happiness and prosperity. According to tradition, after the holiday dinner, the pig is placed within the enclosed bag. The pig is then passed around those gathered, each in turn giving the pouch a firm tap and sharing a tale of the past year's good fortune.

Each year, after we finish unwrapping gifts, we read the Christmas story. Then, in descending age order, we each get a turn to share with the family something or things for which we are thankful. Since we started the tradition, we've been thankful for anniversaries, new grandchildren, engagements, new homes, new jobs, surgeries and chemotherapy gone well, graduations and getting into new schools, and even a national championship. There is always laughter and there are always tears.

After everyone has had their turn, the pouch is opened and each member of the family eats the peppermint, guaranteed to bring you good luck throughout the next year. If you're looking to add a new tradition to your holiday festivities, this one's pretty awesome!