What makes something truly resonate is hard to define. It’s a blend of comfort, family memories, sentiment, history, and those straightforward emotional connections. Tonight I’m sharing something that might prompt a “HUH?!?” from some of you, but for me it captures many of the qualities that make an item meaningful.

You might not know this, but I’m originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. That place stays with you. Life there shapes an attitude and a sense of belonging that feels almost legendary. Growing up in the U.P. gives you a sense of Sisu — a Finnish term that roughly translates to determination, bravery, resilience, and inner perseverance. When you live where weather is raw and often humbling, Sisu feels like part of your identity.

Part of that Sisu is reflected in the gear you rely on to handle tough weather. The Original Stormy Kromer cap is something of an unofficial Yooper uniform. Invented by Ida Kromer to keep her husband—railroad engineer George “Stormy” Kromer—warm, these wool caps hold fast even in Lake Superior gale-force winds. Nothing takes the cap off your head but your own hands. When you’re facing a blizzard, that reliability matters.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, the season ahead, and the loyal readers here at Foodie with Family, I’m giving away one Original Stormy Kromer cap to a member of the FWF community. I hope this little bit of Sisu finds a new home and keeps someone warm all winter long.

Stormy Kromer Giveaway

The Prize

One Original Stormy Kromer cap in red and black plaid. If the winner’s size isn’t available in that color, an alternate color scheme may be substituted.

How to Enter

Visit the Stormy Kromer site to determine your hat size, then leave a comment telling me what your Sisu means to you and what your hat size is.

The Details

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only due to customs and duty restrictions. I will draw a winner on Friday, November 28, 2014. I will notify the winner by email, and they will have 24 hours to respond. If more than 24 hours pass without a response, I will select and notify a new winner.

This is my twenty-fourth post in my commitment to post every single day in November for NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month). Follow the month’s posts as I share recipes, family stories, and a few giveaways.

DISCLOSURE: This giveaway is sponsored by Foodie with Family. Stormy Kromer is not affiliated with me, though I wear their cap throughout the winter.