When Emma was a wee babe, Peter and I (mostly me) started this little tradition of hiding a glass pickle ornament in the tree and asking her to find it on Christmas morning, to commence the present opening. I don't know why I started it, probably just cause I could (I was the adult.) Neither of us ever did this as kids, but it has totally stuck with the kids. They will NOT open a present till they find it.
Even when we've totally forgotten about it.
Like this year.
We held the kids off from running through the house and shreiking till a reasonable hour (7:30am) by asking Santa to leave their stockings in their rooms. When they could not be held off any longer, we released them into the family room to see what Santa had brought, while the adults groped for coffee cups and coffee cake.
We came in to find them sort of looking around the tree intently. Oh! The pickle!
Ian: Is it over there?
Emma: No, keep looking on your side.
Ian: I'm sort of getting tired.
Emma: But we have to find it, so keep looking.
(15 very quiet minutes later)
Peter: Good grief guys, you still can't find it? Is there one there?
Emma: Yes! I saw it the other day.
Peter: Well, good luck! (goes to sit down)
Ian: Now I'm really getting tired, maybe I'll just go through my stocking again.
Emma: A-HA!!!
The adults sat in amazement as this all went on for at least 20 minutes. The self-control to not just even pretend to find it and dive into the loot was incredible.
I did a little research when we got home on the whole accidental pickle tradition we have. Come to find out, its a German myth! Just read.
I may have to break it to the kids.
Its an ugly ornament anyway, I must confess.
Does anybody else do this?
