If you’ve ever decorated an American Christmas tree, you may have heard of the odd tradition of hiding a glass pickle ornament among the branches. The child who finds it first on Christmas morning supposedly earns a reward or an extra present. It is one of the quirkiest holiday customs in the United States, yet its origins are surprisingly mysterious. For years it has been attributed to German immigrants, but when asked, most Germans had never heard of a “Christmas pickle.” So where did this strange little tradition come from?
One theory traces the pickle ornament back to German glass-blowing workshops in the nineteenth century. Craftsmen in the town of Lauscha produced beautifully detailed fruit and vegetable ornaments, including pickles, which later entered American markets. As these ornaments spread across the United States, clever shopkeepers may have invented the story of the hidden pickle to help sell them. The idea stuck, and soon families all across America adopted the unusual hunt as part of their holiday fun.
Another theory is darker and tied to the American Civil War. According to legend, a Union soldier held in a Confederate prison camp was given a single pickle on Christmas Eve by a guard. That pickle, the story says, gave him just enough strength to survive until he was rescued. Out of gratitude, the soldier supposedly introduced the Christmas pickle tradition once he returned home. Historians have never been able to confirm this tale, but it persists as one of the more dramatic explanations behind the ornament.
Regardless of where the ornament story began, pickles themselves were a very real part of winter survival in northern Europe. Families across Germany, Poland, and the Baltic regions fermented cucumbers, cabbage, and root vegetables each autumn to ensure they had food that would last through long, cold winters. Pickling was a vital preservation method, and jars filled with brine and spices lined cellars for months. In that sense, the Christmas pickle—whether glass or edible—does connect to genuine Old World traditions of winter preparedness.
Today, the Christmas pickle is less about survival and more about delight. It is a playful little mystery tucked into the holiday tree, a tradition that blends imagination, immigrant history, and a touch of folklore. Whether it began in a German workshop or a Civil War camp, it has become a charming part of the American Christmas story.
Do you hide the Christmas pickle in your tree each year?
Donnie Dodson is the creator behind Eats History, a passionate storyteller who explores the past not through textbooks or lectures, but through the food that shaped it. He makes it clear that he’s not a historian, and he’s not a professional chef.
But what he brings to the table is something more: an unmatched obsession with telling history and culture through a culinary lens. Through food, he tells the stories of empires, revolutions, forgotten rulers, and everyday people just like us in a way that feels tangible, entertaining, and unexpectedly emotional.
Calling all Swifties! Are you ready for it?
Families in the Miami Valley will step straight into the magic of the North Pole this season as Santa’s Wonderland Nights opens its doors December 12 at 5679 Webster Street in Dayton, Ohio. The brand-new indoor Christmas experience transforms a warehouse into Santa’s Kringleworks— a hidden “North Pole District” where Christmas magic is imagined, built, tested, and shipped around the world.
With almost 700 seats sold for the annual ‘Show Must Go On‘ at the historic Arcade, the RubiGirls again proved they are a force for good in the Dayton area. This year, the ‘Girls’ were deep into their ‘Best Season Ever‘ which was, in reality, their 41st year raising fun and funds. Within their 41st season, The Girls were able to benefit 110 local non-profits and charities, and provide scholarships to five graduating high school students in the area. It was, at the very least, a breakthrough year in terms of funds raised. ‘What we experienced was not what many non-profits felt this year. Our donations were sound and solid, and our shows were full at every turn. It is interesting to note that we have been able to find a path through tougher times. It seems that entertainment is truly craved in the area, and we do it with humor and parody. The laughs led to donations. Donations lead to helping as many as we can in the region.’ Says the ‘Mother Rubi’ herself, Dana Sintell. Along with Fonda Peters, the two have been here for every single season. ‘We have seen it all over the years. Right now, we are seeing a big increase in concern for charitable organizations! Being a pass-through organization, we have the ability to take those donations and easily disperse them to multiple organizations. People like knowing that a donation to us helps many!’ said Sintell.
‘Oh, we got that figured out! Next season is ‘Better Than The Best Season Ever!‘ Sintell quipped. ‘Listen, we have people out there who really are in need. We have to keep elevating what we bring to the city we love!!’
Calling all Swifties! Get ready to dance through the Eras as 
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Better Business Bureau serving Dayton & the Miami Valley is pleased to announce nominations are open for the 2026 BBB Spark Award. This award honors trustworthy entrepreneurs, 35 and under or new business owners of any age operating for less than three years. Recipients of the award should embody and cultivate the Three C’s of Trust: Character, Culture and Community. These character-driven leaders and organizations are the future of our trusted marketplace.
The energy picks up in the theatre when David Josefberg‘s take on Doc Brown, hits the stage. Throughout the show, he makes his moments, HIS MOMENTS! Also of note, Cartreze Tucker belting ‘Gotta Start Somewhere’ and the devilish performance by Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff. And yes, the car. The CAR! I didn’t want to like it…almost was dead-set on not liking it…just to be contrary. But the truth is, it’s pretty astounding to watch. Blended with backgrounds that look alive and real (the high school gym scene is a mind-trip!)…the car is, in its own way, another star of the show!
Advice…go into the theatre looking to have a good time. A fun, funny, fantastic frolic awaits….
They describe their food as “upscale bar food.” All of the food is made in house including theirr batter, sauces and dressings. All of our food is cooked to order, and it shows. They will continue to build onto the menu and will start running featured items soon.
Dayton, OH 45420
“It is with great excitement that the Board of Trustees announces the appointment of John Oney as our new President & CEO of 
The DGMC is ready to deck the halls for the holidays. Their annual concert, which has been a mainstay of the area for many years, promises another stellar performance. I was so excited to get to speak to member, Marc Driscoll about the upcoming event.
The Miami Valley Sports Bar in Miamisburg will be celebrating 30 years in business this December so second generation family owner Julie Delph has announced they are going to celebrate ALL MONTH LONG!!!!
In their Arcade built for adults you’ll find pinball machines, racing games, shooting games, basketball, boxing, axe-throwing, beer pong, ping pong, Ski balland much more! From old school Touch Screen Games and pull tabs to the newest machines in Golden Tee Golf.
Gift cards are always popular purchases on Black Friday, and their popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down in 2025. According to Capital One, 64% of U.S. shoppers buy gift cards to give as holiday gifts. You can shop for gift cards at any time of the year, but you tend to find the best deals on gift cards during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Rally’s:
Check out our post of other restaurant deal valid throughout the month of December 