by Greta from Frankenmuth asks Santa about the Christmas pickle ornament, learns about her town’s German heritage on the Cass River, and hears the real story behind the pickle tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Greta and I am nine years old. I live in Frankenmuth, Michigan, where my oma says our whole town looks like a little piece of Germany was carefully picked up and set down right here in the Midwest.
Dear Greta, your oma is entirely right, and I always enjoy that particular little piece of Germany tucked into Michigan every December.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, what is a Christmas pickle? My uncle hides a little glass pickle ornament in our tree every year and whoever finds it first gets an extra present.
The Christmas pickle is a charming, slightly mysterious tradition, Greta, a small pickle-shaped ornament hidden deep in the tree branches, with the finder said to receive good luck or a special extra gift, much like your uncle’s rule. Its exact origins are a little murky, but the fun of the hunt has made it a beloved custom regardless.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the Cass River runs right through our town. Is that true?
It is, Greta. The Cass River flows through Frankenmuth, adding to the town’s cozy, picturesque charm, especially when it is edged with snow each December. Flying along it on Christmas Eve, half-timbered buildings glowing on either side, feels like flying through a storybook.
My third question is about our town’s German heritage. My teacher says Frankenmuth was founded by German settlers a long time ago and has kept that heritage very carefully ever since. Why does that matter?
Frankenmuth was founded by German immigrants in the 1800s, Greta, and the town has proudly preserved that heritage in its architecture, festivals, and food ever since, including being home to one of the largest Christmas stores in the entire world. I think it is a beautiful thing when a community works hard to keep its history alive and visible, generation after generation.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Greta Schneider
Frankenmuth, Michigan
P.S. Do you hide a pickle in your own tree at the North Pole?
Every year, Greta. Mrs. Claus finds it first almost every single time.
