What in the world is a Christmas pickle? Here's the meaning of this Christmas food ornament, plus how it got on the tree in the first place.
What Is a Christmas Pickle? This Is What Seeing a Pickle in a Christmas Tree Means
My German grandmother taught me all I needed to know about cooking and our heritage, including how to make sauerkraut, homemade smoked sausage and perfect spritz cookies. But she never told me about the Christmas pickle.
What is a Christmas pickle?
I found out about this elusive gherkin a few years ago at a holiday party when guests were challenged to find the pickle in the Christmas tree. The first partygoer to spot it won a prize. Others seemed to understand this task and got right to it, but I was confused.
I was told hiding a pickle ornament (die Weihnachtsgurke) in the tree was an old German tradition. The first child to find it on Christmas morning receives a special gift and is blessed with good luck. Because my family takes great pride in our German customs—we’ve tipped a few at Oktoberfest—I was surprised I had never heard of such a thing! So I decided to investigate. What I found might surprise you.
Is the Christmas pickle really a German tradition?
According to a 2016 New York Times article, the YouGov polling agency surveyed more than 2,000 native Germans about whether they had ever heard of hanging die Weihnachtsgurke on their tannenbaums, and a whopping 91% said no. If the Germans don’t know about it, where did it come from?
This Is Where the Christmas Pickle Tradition May Come From
I unearthed a couple of possible sources:
Source No. 1: A Medieval Tale from Michigan
The first legend is often told in the Berrien Springs, Michigan, area, also known as “The Pickle Capital of the World.” Two Spanish boys were kidnapped by an evil innkeeper, who stuffed them into a pickle barrel. St. Nicholas happened by and rescued the lads. Granted, this is a harrowing-turned-heartwarming tale, but Germans celebrate St. Nick’s on December 6 (the tree’s not supposed to be up yet). And what do kids in a pickle barrel have to do with a pickle in a tree? I’m not buying it.
Source No. 2: Civil War Drama in Georgia
The second possible origin involved a captured Civil War soldier in Georgia. Dying, he begged the prison guards for a pickle. They obliged. The soldier regained his strength and eventually found his way home. Each year, he hung a pickle on his Christmas tree in thanks for his good fortune. This tale has a happy ending, but who has to eat a pickle as their dying wish? OK, maybe it might be one of my final wishes, but only if it was this classic bread-and-butter recipe. Regardless, it seems unlikely that others would hear this story and be so moved to hang real pickles on their trees. Would you do that?
So what is the truth behind the Christmas pickle tradition?
I did find a connection between these stories and pickle ornament sales. Both of these legends started to gain traction in the 1880s, right around the time F.W. Woolworth Co. stores started selling imported German glass ornaments in the United States, some in the shapes of fruits and vegetables. Maybe savvy sales reps made up stories to sell excess pickles? Could be. We may never know.
How to Carry Out the Christmas Pickle Tradition
I hope my investigation doesn’t leave you salty. Kids still love the tradition, and we should keep it going. So if you have a pickle, hide it in your tree. And if die Weihnachtsgurke is new to you, hang one up and feel free to spin your own yarn. After all, fun family traditions, no matter what the source, create treasured memories to last a lifetime.
All this pickle talk making you hungry? Find out which pickle brands we love and which ones made us sour.
Pair This Tradition with a Batch of Old-Fashioned Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle CookiesWhen I baked this moist, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Christmas Candy Cane CookiesThese cookies were a holiday tradition in my family since I was a young child. Now my own family requests them before any others at Christmas. —Pat Schmeling, Germantown, Wisconsin
Sea Salt Mint White Mocha CookiesThis recipe came from my mom's Grandma Alice, who taught her how to bake. Grandma Alice always had a fresh plate of warm cookies on her counter. I learned some of her recipes by heart as a child, and I've been making these since high school. They taste like Christmas.—Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Also, make your holidays extra merry with these Christmas candy recipes.
Cherry SnowballsA juicy maraschino cherry is the secret center tucked inside these special cookies. My mom was inspired to create this by a recipe she clipped out of a newspaper more than 30 years ago. —Evy Adams, West Seneca, New York
Cardamom SpritzAs far back as I remember, I have loved cardamom. My grandmother often added the spice to her baked goods. I usually make these cookies with a spritz press—and camel disk—that I found at a thrift shop. It reminds me of a time when I rode a camel in the desert while deployed with the Navy. Of course, any design will do! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Gingerbread CookiesYou can make a variety of festive holiday shapes with this gingerbread cookie recipe. Decorate each cutout with frosting or icing, sprinkles and gumdrops!
Baki's Old-World CookiesMy uncles have always called these "cupcake cookies" because of the unique, pretty way they're baked. My maternal grandmother mixed many batches. —Marilyn Louise Riggenbach, Ravenna, Ohio
Russian Tea CakesI like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. I pile this fresh-baked Russian tea cakes recipe on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
Jam-Filled Wreaths & HeartsI make these beautiful wreath-shaped cookies with jewel-red centers every Christmas. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy look. My mother cut the recipe out of a newspaper some 30 years ago. —Monica Wilson, Pomona, New York
Oatmeal Coconut CookiesWith our oatmeal coconut cookies, there's no need to choose between a crispy cookie and a chewy one. You can have the best of both worlds with this recipe.
Great-Grandma’s Oatmeal CookiesThis yummy cookie—a favorite of my husband's—goes back to my great-grandmother. At Christmastime, we use colored sugar for a festive touch. —Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota
Semisweet Chocolate Pinwheel CookiesChocolate and vanilla provide a delightful contrast in their flavor and appearance. —Nancy Arevalo, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Swedish Spice CutoutsMy sister, Judith, brought this recipe with her when she came to the United States from Sweden in 1928.—Lilly Decker, Clancy, MT
Crisp Sugar CookiesMy grandmother always had sugar cookies in her pantry, and we grandchildren would empty that big jar quickly because they were the best! I now regularly bake these wonderful cookies to share with friends. —Evelyn Poteet, Hancock, Maryland
Date Pinwheel CookiesMy granddaughter nicknamed my mother Cookie Grandma because she made wonderful cookies—including these crisp and chewy treats. —Donna Grace, Clancy, Montana
Mom's Buttermilk CookiesThese soft, tangy buttermilk cookies are topped with creamy frosting are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Butterscotch Gingerbread CookiesEvery time I make these wonderful cookies, the spicy aroma takes me back to my childhood. I helped Mom make them and delivered them to neighbors. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Pinwheels and CheckerboardsMy mom used to make these cookies every Christmas, and I still love them. They are so colorful...and you can get two kinds of cookies from one dough! They're perfect for including in gift boxes.—Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland
Grandma’s Scottish ShortbreadMy Scottish grandmother was renowned for baked goods, and these chunky shortbread bars are an example of why. —Jane Kelly, Wayland, Massachusetts
Grandma's Raspberry RugelachI remember sitting on my great-grandmother's couch with a pad and pen in hand as she told me each ingredient and measurement for her special rugelach. Her recipe stands apart because it's a fun twist from typical versions. —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida
Double-Dipped Shortbread CookiesMy mom and her friend did a lot of cookie swaps together. They were always finding new recipes to share, including this one. There's something about a dipped cookie that makes it seem so special, so we usually save these for the holidays. —Ginger King, Big Bear Lake, California
Oat & Coconut Icebox CookiesThis recipe was passed down through my family from Grandma Irene and is a favorite of my dad and cousin Dennis. It's a true cookie lover's cookie: crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and perfectly dunkable. —Lori Rowe, Tigerton, Wisconsin
Roro’s Pineapple CookiesMy memories of Christmas always include my mom's pineapple cookies. The kids called her Roro, and we still make them every year to keep her memory alive. You can substitute your favorite flavor of preserves for the pineapple. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
Rainbow CookiesI always bake these cookies two weeks ahead. That allows enough time for mellowing, leaving them moist and full of almond flavor. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Secret Kiss CookiesHere's a recipe that's literally sealed with a "kiss." This cookie's bound to tickle any sweet tooth. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Chocolate Fruit N Nut CookiesFilled with fruit, nuts, chocolate and loads of flavor, these traditional Italian treats hit the spot. We enjoy them at Christmas with a hot beverage.
Sandbakkelse (Sand Tarts)Translated from Norwegian, the name of these cookies is "'sand tarts." They're most attractive if baked in authentic sandbakkelse molds, which can be purchased online or in a Scandinavian import shop. Most any decorative cookie mold will do, though, and the interesting shapes will make these tarts the focus of your cookie tray. —Karen Hoylo, Duluth, Minnesota
Thumbprint Butter CookiesThese buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
PizzelleThis recipe was adapted from one that my Italian-born mother and grandmother followed. They used old irons on a gas stove, but now we have the convenience of electric pizzelle irons. These delectable cookies are still a traditional treat in our family. —Elizabeth Schwartz, Trevorton, Pennsylvania
Nanny’s Fruitcake CookiesMy grandmother always made a holiday fruitcake. I turned her recipe into cookies that are perfect anytime, especially with a cup of tea. —Amanda Digges, South Windsor, Connecticut
German Christmas CookiesThis little spice cookie tastes very European and is similar to Pfeffernüsse or “peppernut.” We make ours with cozy spices, anise flavoring, almonds and candied citron. —Carole Mueller, Florissant, Missouri
Mexican Chocolate Sugar CrispsMy grandma loved these so much, she would hide them from my grandpa! I think of her every time I make a batch. Like Mexican spice? Try stirring in a little chili powder. —Michele Lovio, Thousand Oaks, California
Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream IcingWhen it’s time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it’s too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery gingerbread cookie icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington
Berry-Cream Cookie SnapsMy mom and I made up this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you'd like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois
Mint Chocolate WafersMy grandmother gave me a cookbook stuffed with recipes. This is a slight twist on one of the first—and best—recipes I made from the book. It's best to store these in the refrigerator. —Mary Murphy, Evansville, Indiana
Rum BallsI make these rum balls for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive punch. — Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa
TorcettiOur Sicilian grandmother often had my sister and me roll out the dough for these tasty torcetti. These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth good without being overly sweet. —Joy Quici, Upland, California
Strawberry CookiesThese Strawberry Cookies use flavored gelatin powder and jelly to create intensely flavored, chewy cookies with a sweet drizzle of icing. They look and taste terrific and you can make the dough ahead of time for easy preparation.
Santa CookiesMake the jolliest Santa cookies for the holidays! These sugar cookie cutouts are frosted with homemade buttercream frosting and decorated with red sugar to create Santa's face and bright red hat.
Grandma’s Christmas Spice CutoutsMy great-grandmother made these, and the tradition was passed down in the family—without a written recipe! My mother would always start them the day after Thanksgiving, which was exciting for us kids, as we knew Christmas wasn’t far off. They are easy to decorate with family; my grandchildren always look forward to them.—Elaine Phelps, Cornell, Wisconsin
Grandma's Polish CookiesThis traditional khruchiki recipe has been handed down through my mother's side from my great-grandmother. As a child, it was my job to loop the end of each cookie through its hole. —Sherine Elise Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York
Tiny Tim Sandwich CookiesWhen I was growing up, my mother and I created special Christmas memories in the kitchen preparing these cute, bite-sized cookies. Vary the food coloring for holidays throughout the year. —Eudora Delezenne, Port Huron, Michigan
Molasses Cookies with a KickHere’s my go-to combination of ingredients for the best spice cookies. They’re a natural for fall, but I make them all year long. My mom says they’re her favorite! —Tamara Rau, Medina, North Dakota
No-Bake Christmas Wreath CookiesCornflakes take the place of traditional rice cereal in these sweet, no-bake Christmas wreath cookies. Dressed up with green food coloring and red candies, they’re a pretty addition to cookie platters and dessert buffets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spumoni SlicesMy sweet rectangles get their name from the old-fashioned tri-colored ice cream. Our whole family prefers them. —Mary Chupp, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Peanut Butter Blossom CookiesHere's proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These peanut butter blossom cookies are an easy family favorite and never fails to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Grossmutter’s PeppernutsBefore Christmas, my grandmother would bake peppernuts and store them until the big day. When we came home from school, the whole house would smell like anise and we knew the holiday season was about to begin. —Marilyn Kutzli, Clinton, Iowa
