What a Pickle
I like pickles. Cornichons specifically (or gherkins, for those of you who prefer the barbarian tongue). But that’s not what this blog is about.
Did you know National Pickle Day was November 14th? Yeah, I didn’t either. The motto for our briny holiday is Eat a pickle, hug a friend. Is it just me, or does that seem a bit strange?
But that’s what I want to talk about either.
Then what DO you want to talk about, Kate? you exclaim.
Patience, dude. I’m getting there.
A couple weeks ago I spent the weekend with my friend Dawn. Usually, our visits include much wine and merriment. This time, we took a break from drinking to pick out and decorate her Christmas tree.
Okay—fine—we didn’t take that much of a break, unless you subscribe to my belief that having whiskey tea is more like drinking milk than alcohol.
Anyway…
I was pulling out the ornaments when I found it: a shiny glass pickle. Since it didn’t match the silver and white theme Dawn had going on, I held it up and tactfully said, “What the hell, Dawn?”
She glanced over. “That’s a Christmas pickle. It’s a German tradition. You hang it in the tree and the person who finds it on Christmas Day gets a special present.”
I stared at the pickle in my hand, intrigued. Who knew there was a special pickle to hunt on Christmas? And you know what? The practice even has a name: Weihnachtsgurke. But what I love most about this German Christmas Pickle tradition is that apparently no one in Germany actually knows about it. Google it. There are several myths about how it started, but none of them are substantiated.
No, I don’t have a Christmas Pickle for my tree, but I’m rectifying that. Next year I’m going to play hide the pickle too, and if you find it, watch out—you’re in for a treat. Wink.¹
¹ Come on—you knew I wouldn't be able to resist.
Christmas in Argentina
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Bartolomé, Argentinian marketing representative of Claus International.
Well, my title doesn't do my actual job justice. I'm more of an elf-of-all-trades. I do marketing, PR, and update the company website. I also step in to help support when they get overwhelmed by the volume of correspondence to the Big Guy. And, in the off-season, I help in the stables. Rudolf requires a lot of, shall we say, attention. Champagne baths, massages with walnut oil (for a shiny coat), hot toddies twice a day for his voice... He is such a diva.
But you don't care about all that. You're wondering if Christmas is going to come to Argentina. Let me assure you, Papá Noel will make it all the way down south.
Maybe it'd be best if I referred you to some of our propaganda literature for further clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Mr. Claus actually make it all the way, like, to Buenos Aires even? It's pretty far from the North Pole.
A: Yes, it's a long trip—Buenos Aires is far south—but we at Claus International are committed to excellence.
Q: Isn't it hot in Buenos Aires? That's so un-Christmas-like.
A: We realize that 80F weather makes for a different Christmas, but the essence is still there.
Q: Only won't Santa be hot? He wears all those layers and, let's face it, he's got some insulation on him.
A: Please don't be concerned for Mr. Claus. His sleigh is fully equipped with ventilation.
Q: But what about heat stroke?
A: We assure you, Mr. Claus will be fine. Really.
Q: Does he speak Castellano? Because they don't speak normal Spanish in Argentina.
A: No, but Donner is quite the linguist.
So if you're in Argentina, don't worry. If you've been nice, you're good to go. If you've been naughty... Well, there are certain exemptions south of the equator. Email us—we'll see if we can work something out.