2018 was my first Christmas away from my family. Instead of cozying up at home with holiday classics and a mug of hot chocolate, I found myself at the Ellen Osler halfway house in Dundas, Ontario. After being granted day parole, this was now my home — curfew and all. While I was allowed to spend the daytime with my family, by 6 p.m., I had to be back, ready to settle in for the night. At first, it seemed like the makings of a lacklustre Christmas Eve, but as with popcorn, life is better with a little heat and creativity. It turned into a celebration I’ll never forget — one that inspired part of what Comeback Snacks is today.
A Community of Cheer
Picture this: a small, cozy halfway house filled with women from all walks of life, brought together by second chances. While we couldn’t visit family on Christmas Eve, we had each other, and that was enough to start something special. The atmosphere wasn’t gloomy — far from it. It was festive, thanks to some incredible community support.
Stride Circle, a program run by Community Justice Initiatives, came by earlier in December. They brought a flurry of holiday spirit, helping us craft Christmas cards to send to our loved ones. Nothing says "I’m thinking of you" like a hand-made card, and for many of us, those cards were a way to reconnect. The chance to mail them out felt like sending a little piece of ourselves home.
Then there were the amazing volunteers from Grace Valley Church. Not only did they only bring warm food (comfort food is a must during the holidays), but they also brought the supplies to make gingerbread houses. Let me tell you — the results were artisanal! They may not have been structurally sound (definitely not building-code approved), but they were full of flavour, fun, and heart. That night inspired one of our most festive Comeback Snacks creations: Gingerbread Caramel popcorn! Yes, a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies and a drizzle of caramel later, and we had ourselves a holiday classic.
Popcorn, Community, and New Traditions
What I remember most about that evening is how the other residents and I bonded over simple joys. Together, we transformed a situation that could’ve been bleak into one of connection and creativity. We laughed over misshapen gingerbread roofs and swapped stories about our families, past Christmases, and what we hoped for the future.
Of course, the kitchen was also abuzz with popcorn. Popcorn was a constant in those days, and not just because it’s the ultimate snack for satisfying cravings. My friends at the halfway house loved helping me make it. We experimented with bold flavours — not always successfully, but hey, no popcorn kernel left unpopped! Those women were my taste-testers, my cheering squad, and my partners in a budding business venture I dreamed of taking beyond the halfway house walls.
The Seeds of Comeback Snacks
Looking back, Christmas 2018 wasn’t just another holiday — it was a reminder of how resilience, support, and a sprinkle of kindness can turn challenges into opportunities. The community that rallied around us — from Stride Circle to Grace Valley Church — proved that second chances don’t happen in isolation. They happen when people believe in each other and show up, one small act of kindness at a time.
It’s the same spirit that fuels Comeback Snacks today. Our handcrafted popcorn isn’t just a gourmet treat for movie nights, parties, or stocking stuffers (though it is criminally good). It’s popcorn with a purpose, a symbol of second chances and occasional indulgences that make life sweeter. Every bag, whether it’s Double Coated Caramel, Salted Chocolate Caramel, or our holiday Gingerbread Caramel, carries the story of resilience, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves a comeback.
Popcorn for the Holidays
If you’re looking for thoughtful gifts this holiday season, consider sharing a little love from Comeback Snacks. Our artisan popcorn snacks are perfect for gourmet gifts, snack gift baskets, or even treating yourself after a long day of decking the halls. Whether you're in Toronto, across Canada, or anywhere else, you can order popcorn online and bring home bold flavours, a touch of nostalgia, and the satisfaction of supporting a socially responsible, empowering snack brand.
This holiday season, we’re reminded that the best gifts don’t always come wrapped in shiny paper. Sometimes, they come in the form of shared laughs, simple joys, and gourmet popcorn sprinkled with purpose. From my kitchen to yours, happy holidays — may your season be as sweet as caramel and as bright as our comeback stories!