In A Pickle

"Setting goals is the first step 

in turning the invisible into the visible."

Tony Robbins 

Staying on task and getting the tree decorated before December 25th is a worthy goal. Each ornament hung seems to have a story for me-who gave it to us and when. This pickle-shaped glass ornament always brings a smile. I remember the excitement of the student giving me such an unusual Christmas gift. She shared her family's pickle tradition with the class.

The pickle legend (which many say is just a myth) is a very old Christmas Eve tradition from Germany. After the children were tucked into bed one of the parents would hide the pickle ornament among the tree branches so it would be difficult to find. In the morning the first child who would find the ornament would get an extra gift from St. Nicholas. If it were found by an adult first traditionally it meant  good luck for that grown-up for the whole year. 

Looking for a last minute gift idea? This book is a fun read about a young pickle's journey to discover that it is okay to be different. Along the way in his journey of self-discovery Baby Dill's family becomes quite inventive helping him get pickle bumps so he will feel like all the other pickles. I thought this book had many good teaching concepts to be shared with the 5-8 year old age group. Follow this link for more information about the author and how to buy the book.
http://www.picklebumppress.com/

Hunger is the best pickle.

Benjamin Franklin