The Christmas Pickle for Your Christmas Tree, A Fun Tradition

 I learned about hanging a pickle sharped ornament in our Christmas tree when I was a child in Wisconsin. I have told lots of people about it since moving to California. 

 The tradition says to hide the pickle ornament in your tree and the first child to find it gets applause or is first to open a present or whatever reward your family chooses. Can you see my pickle ornaments in the first photo? They are rather hidden. This tradition probably began in Germany.

Here is a Scripture to read with family in this Christmas season: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

This post was written by Terra Hangen today, and I hope you enjoy it and that it encourages Christmas joy in your home.

 

Christmas Pork, Kraut, Dumplings, and Diet Coke

By Karen Robbins

When my kids all come home for Christmas, they expect the one meal I've become famous for: roast pork, sauerkraut and dumplings. It's my Bohemian/Chech background.

Our daughters-in-law have learned to put up with the menu. I think a few might even like it. Leah is a southern gal raised on fried catfish and hush puppies which her mother makes for my son who loves it. Lori is strictly an American-style gal and would just as soon have hamburgers and fries with lots of ketchup. Aya is Japanese and her menu choices tend to lean toward fresh vegetables, raw or pan seared fish, and pressed seaweed.

Bless their hearts though, they are all in love with my sons and put up with the tradtional menu--and a few side items I add to hopefully satiate their appetites as well.

As I searched for a picture of my crown roast of pork, I found one other constant: Diet Coke--prominently displayed in it's original plastic 2 liter bottle right next to the Christmas dinnerware and good silver.

What is your traditional Christmas dinner? And how do you satisfied varied appetites and tastes?