Pickle Jack
In the tradition, an ornamental pickle is placed on a Christmas tree as one of the Christmas decorations. On Christmas morning, the first child to find the pickle on the tree would receive an extra present from Santa Claus or would be said to have a year of good fortune.[1]
or so says Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
& I suppose when Niece gifted a pickle to her grandpa a few years back, her intention was YaY !! a brand new tradition !! and YaY she was right ! ! Because that unusual trinket has become our prelude to opening gifts, our wondering of where could it be ??! our laughs and love and fun
but, little did Niece’s sweet, sincere gesture realize how very BIG this pickling would become.
Now, just so you know, although Dad is a jolly enthusiast of everything Christmas, he’s just not a fan of decorating trees and I can’t say I blame him. The man has spent many a season fumbling with lights and garland so when he one day, out of the blue opted to buy a pre-lit, prettily frosted evergreen ?? we, his family, replied “YES !”
& he did !! but, doggone-it, to include a little festive pizzazz Dad STILL has to add an ornament or many to that fancy new spruce and he just does not enjoy the donning part of our Winter festivities
& so, I or we or somebody volunteers their annual, bedazzling skills to help the guy out and as the person who raised her “ME !” hand this year, I must alert my peeps that their mild manner Grandpa Jack is on a mission.
A pickle mission.
“I hid that pickle real good !! Did you see it ??” my father sneakily inquired after every last decoration was placed and settled on that tree and to be perfectly honest ?? No !! I didn’t !!
“They’re never going to find it !!” he gleefully giggled
& what started out as a simple gift from a thoughtful soul has blossomed into an extremely determined pickle hider with some equally zealous hunters. A prize. Bragging rights. Well deserved praise and by golly !! there’s even talk of a Master of Ceremonies and a winner’s sash this year
& amid all this silliness sits a happily contented man with an incredibly grateful family.
Who knew pickles could bring such joy.
🙂