Christmas (and Thanksgiving) Blessing Mix

I am again late in posting this for Thanksgiving, but right on time for you to make some for Christmas.

The adults played a game at Adalyn's recent 1st birthday party. I wanted to reward the winners with something special. I stumbled upon this Thanksgiving Blessing Mix and knew I had just the right prize. I also used it as a neighbor gift. 

I made it with one cup of each of the items below. It was VERY difficult to find bugles. When my Mom finally found some at Walmart they didn't have plain ones, just fancy flavored kinds. Which ended up working fine in this mix. I had enough for 3 large take-out containers.

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Bugles: Shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.

Pretzels: Arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.
Candy corn: Sacrifices. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.
Marshmallows: The Pilgrim's first winter brought cold and snow to the Pilgrims.
Nuts: Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.

Pumpkins: Representing a bounteous harvest.
Dried fruits: Thanksgiving is the celebration of the fruits of the harvest.

M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future. 

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, but guess what....you can make a Christmas Blessing Mix as well. Here is the cute little poem to go with it. I think these are just perfect and unique (as well as yummy) for teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, friends gifts, etc. Or just as a yummy snack on Christmas day.

Christmas Blessing Mix

Bugles: Bring us the joyful message of the Heavenly Host, announcing peace on earth, good will to men.
Pretzels: Symbol of a mother's loving arms; as Mary wrapped her Son in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.
Red Hots: Red berries that decorate the holly plant, a reminder of eternal life and Christ's redemption.
Nuts or Seeds: Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.
Dried fruits: Remind us of the rich gifts brought by the Wise Men.
M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.
Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

Candy Canes: Represents the shape of the shepherd's crook, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold.