The Christmas Pickle

Although it is most rumored to be a German tradition, most Germans are unaware of it. There is also the theory that a man who had emigrated from Bavaria to Georgia was fighting in the civil war. He allegedly was sent to prison. Starving and almost resigned to death, he begged the guards for a pickle before he died. The guard, according to the legend took pity on the soldier and brought him a pickle. John Lower swore that by the grace of God, that pickle gave him the strength to endure the miseries of prison.

After being reunited with his family he began the tradition of hiding a pickle on the Christmas tree. Hence, the first person who found the pickle on Christmas morning would be blessed with a year of good fortune... and a special gift, just as John Lower had experienced!

The pickle is always hidden in the boughs of the tree so it is not easily seen. For many families, it is a children tradition. Whichever child finds the Christmas pickle is supposedly blessed with a good year ahead and many families include a special little gift for the child who finds the Christmas pickle.

For other families (like mine), it is the adult's chance to have a little fun. Whoever found the pickle the year before hides it the current year and also buys the gift. The gift can be a gag gift or a regular gift. After the children open their presents and are happily playing with them, the adults take turns getting their gifts from under the tree. This is when they begin looking around (from where they are) for the coveted Christmas Pickle. When someone finds the Christmas pickle, they get to unwrap the special gift.

It does not end there, however, at least not for us. Whomever got the pickle prize must guard it carefully because the rules state that it can be stolen (I know, what a lovely Christmas tradition, but it's fun!) It can be stolen again by anyone who finds it. So it goes for the rest of the evening and the last person who has possession (or knows the where-abouts) of the Pickle present gets to keep it. It really makes for an enjoyable Christmas evening and fun is usually had by all.

Many families add their own little twists to the Christmas Pickle tradition but basically it involves a pickle, a present and a whole lot of fun.






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