Every family has heirloom holiday ornaments with special meanings and stories—grandma’s vintage ornaments, baby’s first Christmas; newlywed’s Christmas, and other milestones. But have you heard about hanging a little glass pickle on the Christmas tree? It’s a popular tradition for many, while others have never heard of it.
According to farmersalmanac.com, in the 1880s and 90s, Woolworth stores began selling glass holiday ornaments imported from Germany, including ornaments featuring fruits and vegetables. At first, it was claimed that the tradition of the Christmas pickle, or weihnachtsgurke, was a German one, but few Germans have ever heard of this ornament having any special place or traditions associated with it. It is likely that the “tradition” was a clever invention by an enterprising salesman with the hopes that a charming tale would lead to more sales of these unusual ornaments.
Though its origins are fictional, there are several variations of what the Christmas pickle has come to mean either in a legend or as a modern holiday tradition. Many households have a pickle ornament hidden in the Christmas tree, and the first child to find it may receive an extra gift, a special treat, or may have the honor of passing out the gifts on Christmas morning.
