The Origins of Christmas Legends and Traditions We Didn’t Know

Amid the typical snowmen, angels, and reindeer ornaments, if you spot a pickle ornament hidden in a Christmas tree, you’re witnessing a quirky American tradition. In this festive game, the first child to find the green pickle ornament wins a special gift or earns the privilege of opening the first present on Christmas morning.

The origins of this peculiar practice are somewhat unclear, but it’s believed to have stemmed from a savvy marketing strategy by Woolworths in the late 1800s. The retailer, upon receiving German pickle-shaped ornaments, concocted this unique sales pitch, leading to a fun, enduring holiday custom.