The Christmas Pickle Legend by Author Elizabeth Alsobrooks

I have read so many blog posts recently that dealt with holiday traditions, stories and photos, that I felt inspired to get into the spirit myself. After all, I finally did some holiday baking myself, and hubby is outside hanging lights. We may even put the tree up. Did I mention that we procrastinate? Never mind. He has promised to sing carols to me, so all is forgiven.

When chasing an interesting story’s origin, I ran across this wonderful Christmas traditions and cultural norms page: http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/usa.shtml and of course I had to read the USA page. I found out a lot of things about cultural traditions in my own country that I found interesting, not the least of which was my husband's excited comment that finally he would be able to find some delicious and inexpensive Christmas Tamales, is actually a tradition here in the southwest. But most amusing and intriguing to me was the Christmas Pickle! Here's the story:

As with Hallmark, it seems the truth of this tradition may have originated in commerce, but it’s still fun to think of having one on my tree. I wish I’d known of this while my kids were young, but I may have to get one, just for fun! The “legend” is that it originated in Germany and it was a pickle ornament hidden on the tree, way back in the branches so it wasn’t easy to see, and whoever found it first got an extra present from St. Nicolas. More fun than finding Easter eggs!

Here’s the poem:

The Christmas Pickle

To start a tradition that will surely last,

Here's the story about the pickle of glass.

The night before Christmas, it's hung on the tree

While everyone's sleeping, it's done secretly.

And on Christmas morning, when you arise,

The first one to find it will get a surprise!

A family tradition for all to share,

You'll look for the pickle year after year.

And of course you must hear the Christmas Pickle Carol!