Yes, that’s a pickle ornament.

We call it the Christmas pickle.

This quirky little tradition is one of those things that seems to pop up out of nowhere, leaving people either scratching their heads or laughing at its sheer absurdity. But in our house? The Christmas pickle is serious business.

We adopted it a few years ago because, well, I couldn’t resist the whimsy of a pickle-shaped ornament I spotted at Old World Market. At first, the girls were skeptical. “A pickle? Really?” they asked, giving me side-eyes and smirks.

Now? They’re the ones who insist on it.

So, what’s the deal with the pickle ornament?

Every year, after all the presents have been unwrapped on Christmas morning, the pickle ornament is hidden somewhere on the tree. Then, the hunt begins. Whoever finds it first gets an extra gift—usually a gift card or a little cash. It’s a fun, competitive tradition that keeps the festivities going just a little bit longer.

The winner not only gets the bonus gift but also earns the honor of hiding the pickle for the next year. It’s become a silly and much-anticipated part of our holiday celebration, and it never fails to bring plenty of laughter.

Where did this tradition come from?

Some say the Christmas pickle has German roots, much like St. Nicholas Day. But truth be told, there’s no evidence it was ever a real tradition in Germany. 

Instead, the Christmas pickle likely originated here in America, dating back to the late 1800s. Most historians believe it was a clever marketing gimmick dreamed up by Woolworth employees to promote their glass ornaments.

Whatever its origins, the Christmas pickle has become one of our family’s most unexpected—and beloved—holiday traditions. Proving that sometimes the best traditions are the ones that make you laugh and remind you not to take life (or your Christmas tree) too seriously.