The Tradition of the Christmas Pickle

For those who celebrate Christmas, the big day is getting close! There are many great traditions surrounding the holiday such as baking cookies, giving gifts, spending time with family and decorating a tree, but the real question is... do you know about the famed Christmas pickle?

To take part, you're supposed to take a pickle-shaped ornament and hide it somewhere on your tree. The first person to find it is supposed to receive an additional gift or have a year of good fortune.

This is a real tradition and not even something we came up with (though we wish we did)! No one is entirely certain of the Christmas pickle's origins, but some believe it may have been part of marketing campaigns in the late 19th century. During that time glass Christmas decorations were imported to the U.S. from Europe, some in the shape of vegetables.

Another, more dramatic origin story is linked to the American Civil War. A Private John C. Lower was captured after serving in the 103rd Pennsylvania infantry, and on Christmas Eve he begged a guard for a pickle. He was given the pickle and said it ended up saving him from starvation, so when he returned to his family, he began the pickle-hiding tradition.

This sounds a little dubious to us, but we can appreciate a good story regardless of its veracity. If you want to get in on the fun, we just so happen to offer a pickle ornament. We also have a non-ornament design. Best of all, these pickles not only have a lovely green sheen, but the ability to yodel out a happy tune. What more could you want to bring some more Christmas cheer to the season?

Do you engage in this time-honored tradition yourself? What are some of your favorite pickleball or non-pickleball related activities you take part in as the holidays get near?