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A printable Christmas pickle story is a short holiday handout that explains the tradition of hiding a pickle-shaped ornament on a Christmas tree. It gives children and guests simple instructions for the Christmas morning hunt and can also include a poem, coloring page, ornament outline, or gift tag. The printable is useful when your family is trying the tradition for the first time or when you want to give the activity a clear, memorable introduction.
What the Christmas pickle tradition means
On Christmas Eve, an adult hides a pickle ornament among the branches of the decorated tree. On Christmas morning, children or family members search for it. The first person to find the ornament may receive a small prize, open the first present, or simply earn bragging rights. Families can choose the rule that works best for their group.
The tradition is often described as an old German custom, but its exact history is uncertain. For that reason, a printable story works best as a fun holiday tradition rather than a proven historical account. A short note can explain that families enjoy different versions of the pickle hunt.
Who can use this printable?
- Families: Read the story before hiding the ornament and keep the page with the Christmas decorations for next year.
- Teachers: Use it as a seasonal reading activity, classroom discussion starter, or simple craft project for elementary students.
- Hosts: Place a copy beside the tree so visiting relatives understand the rules without a long explanation.
- Gift-givers: Attach the story to a pickle ornament as a small Christmas present for a friend, neighbor, or new family.
How to use the Christmas pickle story
- Print the page and read it aloud before the hunt begins.
- Choose a safe pickle ornament, preferably one made from plastic, wood, or another child-friendly material.
- Hide the ornament where it is visible enough to find but not immediately obvious.
- Set the prize or privilege in advance so everyone understands the rules.
- After the hunt, save the printable with the ornament for use during the next holiday season.
Practical printing tips
Print on standard US Letter paper measuring 8.5 by 11 inches. Use white cardstock for a sturdier story card, gift tag, or coloring page. Select Actual Size or 100% scale if the file includes a border or cut-out shape. Avoid using “Fit to Page” when exact dimensions matter. For a classroom activity, print on regular copy paper and let children color the pickle before cutting it out.
Check the preview before printing several copies. If the page includes a decorative border, leave the printer’s margins unchanged unless your printer supports borderless printing. A paper trimmer gives cleaner edges for gift tags, while regular scissors work well for children’s crafts.
Where to Find and Print Printable Christmas Pickle Story
Christmas Pickle Printable PDF
A direct printable PDF explaining the Christmas pickle tradition and the familiar Christmas Eve hiding game.
The Christmas Pickle Paper Craft
A one-page classroom craft with a printable pickle ornament template and a short poem for children.