Holiday Traditions - Little Surprises

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

25 Dec 2005 02:55 PM

Holiday Traditions - Little Surprises

A pickle in the tree? A walnut in the pumpkin pie? Try these small holiday surprises to make your kids smile!

I could be wrong, but I think my daughter's favorite Christmas-present-opening tradition has its roots in Germany. (And someone, please do correct me if I'm wrong). A pickle ornament (or, since like ours, your ornament collection might be pickle-free, a paper pickle) is hidden in the Christmas tree. First one to find it right before opening gifts gets to open his or her gift first.

Rules: The pickle must be in plain sight, and no one can touch the tree. And the person who hid the pickle can't play--this should be obvious, but the chance to open your gift before five siblings can bring out certain devious qualities in the sweetest of children.

My mom had a fun tradition that she did every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She made pumpkin pies and baked a walnut in each one. If you got the piece with the walnut in it, you got a prize. Usually, it was a box of cherry chocolates or some other seasonal treat.

My sister and I loved this tradition, and couldn't wait to see if we got the piece with the walnut in it. Unfortunately, I didn't like pumpkin pie, but that was beside the point. Also unfortunately, I never won, but figured one year had to be my lucky year.

When I grew up, I found out my mom knew where the walnut piece was, and rigged the game so that a visiting relative would win. Humph! Boy, was I mad when I found this out. All those years of choking down pumpkin pie and not even a chance of winning!

That said, I do recommend this tradition, because there's nothing like a little dessert drama (but don't rig the game).

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

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