Have you heard of the Christmas pickle tradition? Many families have Christmas traditions that are unique to that family. The anticipation of these holiday traditions each Christmas season is half the fun. Whether it is as simple as trimming the tree together, choosing who gets to place the star/angle/Christmas hat each year, finding little elf gifts, or some other homespun Christmas tradition, they make the holidays more festive and more fun! Today, I am going to share the Christmas pickle story. You will learn all about the how the Christmas tree pickle ornament works and how you can adopt this fun pickle ornament tradition.
The Christmas Pickle Story
The Christmas pickle tradition is said by many to have origins in Germany with St. Nicholas. However, the German Christmas pickle legend seems to be just a legend without much to back it up. Whatever the origins, the Christmas pickle ornament has become a very beloved tradition in many families right here in the United States. The image below tells the full Christmas pickle story of how the Christmas pickle ornament comes into play and what it is used for.
Pickle ornament meaning: In some interpretations, the pickle is thought to bring good fortune to the person who finds it. And it literally does, if you are the first to find the green ornament among the green boughs of the Christmas tree!
How Does The Pickle Ornament Tradition Work?
This holiday tradition may or may not be new to your family but it is fun either way! Each year, a Christmas pickle ornament gets left out with Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve. The idea is for St. Nicholas to place the shiny ornament in the shape of a pickle in the branches of a Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first child who spots the pickle ornament on the tree, gets an extra special gift! It is just one more Christmas Tradition to add to the fun and anticipation.
I actually heard of it for the first time last year and so we left a pickle out for Santa Claus. Then in the morning when both of my children were awake, they raced to see who could find the Christmas tree pickle first. My daughter found it first so she opened the first present. My kids loved the excitement of racing. The gift we chose was a box of chocolates so everyone got to share in them keeping us all in good spirits. This is one of our favorite new family traditions. How could being the first person to spot a green pickle not be fun?!
Starting The Christmas Tree Pickle Tradition
The website for the The Christmas Pickle Tradition makes it easy to start the tradition at your house. I suppose you could use an actual pickle instead of glass ornaments but it’d be a little messy and smelly. Enter the Christmas Pickle Tradition Gift Box. This beautiful gift set comes with a glistening pickle ornament, a place to record the annual pickle finder, and a beautiful Christmas Pickle Tradition book in a beautiful ready-to-gift box that can be used for years to come.
The glass pickle Christmas ornament is shiny and attention grabbing. It is a fun talking point too if guests want to know about the tradition of the Christmas pickle.
The Christmas Pickle story book is a fun way to introduce the new pickle Christmas tradition. Additionally, reading the same book year after year about the legend of the Christmas pickle will undoubtedly become a tradition of its own. It is like finding a familiar friend each year when you read it.
Christmas Pickle Gift Ideas:
The Christmas pickle tradition is fun, and finding the pickle ornament can be rewarded with creative gifts! Here are some thoughtful Christmas pickle gift ideas.
- Small Toys: Mini puzzles, figurines, or holiday-themed trinkets.
- Craft Kit: A holiday craft they can create and display.
- Holiday Candy: A stocking-sized stash of sweets or chocolate.
- Book: A festive children’s book or a favorite story.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Pickle: A fun, novelty gift that fits the theme.
- Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets: A small chance at a big win adds excitement.
- Cozy Accessories: Socks, mittens, or scarves in holiday colors.
- Pickle-Themed Treats: Dill pickle-flavored chips, popcorn, or even pickles in a jar.
- Gift Cards: A versatile and practical prize, like a coffee shop, bookstore, or favorite retailer gift card.
- “Homemade Coupons: “Skip a Chore” coupon for example.
Where To Get A Pickle Ornament:
The ChristmasPickleTradition.com where I got my set no longer seems to work but I found a very nice pickle ornament gift boxed with legend through my affiliate Amazon link.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy the holiday season and good luck spotting the Christmas pickle first! Don’t forget to have an extra gift or special treat handy for the child who finds the glass pickle ornament first! Were you familiar with the story of the pickle ornament? Do you have a Christmas pickle ornament for the coming year yet? Do you have any other special Christmas traditions at your house?
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Marie says
I love the idea that in the German tradition, St. Nicholas gives kids a chance at an extra present.
Debbie says
This pickle ornament tradition is such a fun idea. Thanks!
Sudarshana says
Great idea. I am going to start the Christmas Pickle tradition for a fun and quirky way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories!
Randy says
What a fun pickle Christmas German tradition. I love imported German glass ornaments.
NL says
Very interesting and unique tradition! The Christmas Pickle Tradition is a fun and memorable way to bring family members together.