An Open Letter To The People Who Think Pop Corn Tubs Are An Odd Gift

Hi there.  Let's talk today about something I know you've seen at every grocery store, retail outlet, and heck, even gas station this holiday season. 

Yes, the Popcorn Tub.

Just to be clear we're talking about a metal tub of popcorn, typically sold or given as a gift. Usually inside, there are three kinds of popcorn:  caramel, butter, and cheese.

All on the same page?  Great.

Dear People Who May Gift Me a Popcorn Tin This Christmas,

Hi.  I want to reach out to you, and tell you that you're doing great.  Don't feel bad about the purchase you've made.  You  might feel like it's thoughtless, or "too easy".  It's not. I'll explain why. 

It's popular for a reason! Popcorn tins became a popular Christmas gift in the 1950s or 1960s. This was a time when Americans were looking for new gift ideas and convenience foods, and popcorn tins were a perfect fit. 

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And furthermore, they're solidly traditional.  Popcorn tins are a classic Christmas gift because they represent the holiday spirit of spreading cheer through a tasty snack. Popcorn is also associated with Christmas because of the tradition of stringing popcorn kernels into garlands.

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 This tradition originated in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1842. Popcorn kernels were affordable and easy to find in Colonial America, and popcorn garlands were easy to make.  

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Did I mention that as snacks go, popcorn is relatively healthy? The kind that you air-pop at home is loaded with more anti-oxidants than fruits and vegetables.  It's also a great source of fiber.  And okay, maybe the caramel corn won't help me.

Look, I'm doing my best here.  I'll level with you.  I'm a Kernelhead. It's a thing.  NJ says my personality is simple:  cats, K-Pop, and popcorn.

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I could get weird about it but I'll be simple. I like it.  I like having it on hand. I like having a little tub and the little dividers.  I like that most of the un-popped kernels are gone. I like that the most you'll pay for the average tub of popcorn is MAYBE ten bucks, and that's if you're pushing it with a fancy tin.  And popcorn itself? It's a light, delicious snack that delights ALMOST EVERYONE.  You can do sweet, salty or both.  I like everything about it.

So, PWMGMAPTTC, thank you.  You're doing gift giving right.

And, people who were NOT planning on gifting me a popcorn tin... that's okay, too. But just know, most gifts can be improved with a popcorn tin on the side.  Just saying.

Popcorningly yours,
Behka