We enjoy many Samis products, and it’s always fun to try new ones. I was excited to try the pumpkin bread, and ordered it right away. Sure enough, we practically ate half the loaf soon after it arrived; toasted and buttered to be sure!

So, when around the holidays Samis put the pumpkin bread on a special offer, I began thinking about it. Why not spread the joy! I decided it would make a delightful holiday gift for our neighbors.

Our neighborhood has shifted in the last few years. Many of our dear, elderly ones have died, and we have many new, young families. My husband and I are now the “wise ones” in the neighborhood, having lived in our house for 33 years now.

We had just enjoyed Halloween so much with all the children who are now around, and that friendly feeling of a recent new phenomenon- a block party- was still very much present in me. The bread seemed like a perfect gift to continue this deepened community feeling.

When my bread order arrived in early December, I put the loaves into gift bags with bows. Then my husband and I had so much fun delivering them! We went to ten houses. Most of the families were home, and we had such pleasant chit chats before moving on. The recipients were so happy and surprised at the gift!

Very quickly, the positive feedback starting flowing to us- everyone was amazed and delighted with how delicious the bread was! And, a sweet and unexpected post script occurred. Other neighbors started bringing everyone presents as the month went on. The bread was a huge hit! I’m looking forward to making this a lovely yearly ritual.

Janice