Usually the NFL playoffs are a time of heated but good natured debate among the football fans at TIC Gums.

Obviously, there is a large contingent of fans of the hometown Baltimore Ravens but there is also a vocal group of Pittsburgh Steelers fans. In fact, the Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh rivalry is a year round event for here. Regardless of the season, work spaces are decorated in team colors and team loyalties have even been used as themes for product cuttings and tastings.

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the kindnesses of others. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays things like a door held open for a shopper with arms loaded with bags or that precious parking space surrendered to another driver may go largely unnoticed.

But several times each year my co-workers overwhelm me with their generosity for people they probably will never meet.

by Harold Nicoll, Marketing Manager

No matter where you live in North America, the end of December brings the shortest days (day) of the year. In Maryland, where TIC Gums is located, there were just over 9 hours of daylight on December 22, 2011. This date was the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. In earlier times, the end of December in the northern hemisphere was the time when the harvest ended. Animals were slaughtered so that fresh meat was plentiful. These same people also knew that after the solstice the days would start to get longer. To celebrate the returning light, feasting, dancing, drinking and general partying occurred. While customs have evolved, the idea of food as a source of contentment has not.

People in the 21st century generally do not have barns to fill, but we do want the relief of knowing there is food in the pantry or the refrigerator. The types of food we keep around during the darkest and often coldest days of the year are those that make us feel more secure.