Christmas pickle? Here's a unique holiday tradition

Cue the Michael Bublé playlist and dust off the ornament boxes — it’s officially time to deck the halls. But before you start hanging the usual stars, bells, and glittery creations, there’s one decoration you might be forgetting: the Christmas pickle. Yes, seriously.

Despite the name, you won’t be scenting your Christmas tree with anything briny. The Christmas pickle is actually a quirky ornament with a surprisingly mysterious backstory, and it’s tied to a tradition many people have never even heard of.

So what’s the deal with this odd little pickle, and how did it earn a spot on the holiday tree? Here’s the full story behind one of Christmas’s most delightfully strange traditions.

What is the Christmas pickle?

The Christmas pickle is hung among the ornaments, bulbs, and lights for the purpose of a treasure hunt. The tradition varies but in the most common version, the child who finds the pickle on the tree first on Christmas morning receives an extra present.

However, it’s also reported that the person who finds the ornament receives good luck in the coming year.

Just like any Christmas ornament, the pickle may be made from glass, metal, or plastic. It may be delicate whole pickles and decked out in metallic green paint, while others are shiny with glitter or rhinestones. More contemporary styles go beyond the singular pickle and come in the whole jar or cute pickle chips.

Where did the Christmas pickle originate?

Tracing the origins of the Christmas pickle is difficult. Historically it was credited as a German tradition, but it is more likely an American custom. Some say it comes from the story of a German soldier taken as a prisoner of war during the Civil War. On Christmas Eve and on the brink of starvation, the soldier asked for a pickle to eat. Upon returning to Germany and reuniting with his family, he hung a pickle on their Christmas tree to honor the food he believed saved his life.

Others trace the Christmas pickle lore to Berrien Springs, Michigan, a village that claims the title of “Christmas Pickle Capital of the World.” Berrien Springs claims that the Christmas pickles originated from the tale of St. Nicholas, who saved two children who were trapped in a pickle barrel by an evil butcher.

Regardless of where the Christmas pickle began, many families have adopted this tradition as their own to create a delightful holiday tradition.

Where can you buy a Christmas pickle?

1. Old World Christmas Pickle Ornament

Old World makes a classic pickle ornament crafted from blown glass. Its subtle green sheen glistens among Christmas lights. The ornament blends in among the tree’s needles making it a fun but not-so-easy task to find it on Christmas morning.

2. Old World Pickle Chips Ornament

For a snackable twist on the Christmas pickle, we like Old World’s pickle chips ornament. It pays homage to pickles—especially if you prefer them stacked on a burger. Plus the added glitter decoration, makes it a little more glamorous than a traditional Christmas pickle.

3. Cody Foster Kosher Dill Pickles Ornament

Who says you can’t have all the pickles? With Cody Foster’s Kosher Dill Pickles ornament you get a whole jar. This fun take on the Christmas pickle is made of glass and comes in a glitzy jar that holds a bundle of crunchy dills.

4. Pickleball Christmas Tree Ornament

Pickleball has taken over the nation, and it’s coming to your Christmas tree too. This ornament features a Christmas pickle holding a racket and ball in hand, so it's ready to hit the court.

What should the Christmas pickle gift be?

The gift for finding the Christmas pickle should be something small and budget-friendly. We recommend spending under $25 on a gift.

Go for something that’s fun for the whole family like this Jenga set that’s Super Mario themed, or this LEGO City Donut Truck.