Is There A Reason Some Michigan Families Put A Pickle On The Christmas Tree?

Have you ever heard of the Christmas pickle tradition?

No, it's not about eating pickles on Christmas day, but it's just as quirky.

So, here's the deal. Every year, an ornament shaped like a pickle is the last to be hung on the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first person to find the pickle hidden among the pine needles gets to open the first present, or in some families, receives a special treat.

Why Do People Put A Pickle On The Christmas Tree?

Now, you might be wondering, "Why a pickle?" Well, that's where things get a bit, well, pickled.

Most people think this tradition, known as Weihnachtsgurke, comes from Germany, but it seems that's not entirely accurate. In fact, most Germans haven't even heard of it.

There are a few legends about how this tradition started.

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One story tells of a German-American soldier during the Civil War who, on the brink of starvation, begged a guard for a pickle. This pickle supposedly gave him the strength to survive

Another tale involves a villainous innkeeper who trapped two boys in a pickle barrel, only for them to be freed by St. Nicholas himself.

However, the most plausible explanation seems to be that the Christmas pickle was a marketing ploy. In the late 1800s, Woolworth stores started importing glass ornaments from Germany, including ones shaped like pickles. It's believed that a salesperson created the Legend of the Christmas Pickle to sell more ornaments.

Regardless of its origins, the Christmas pickle tradition has become a beloved part of many families' holiday celebrations. It adds a bit of fun and mystery to the holiday season, and let's be honest, who doesn't love a good treasure hunt on Christmas morning?

So, if you're looking for a new tradition to start this year, why not give the Christmas pickle a try?

It's sure to make your holiday season a bit more exciting, and maybe even a little bit luckier!