Every year on Christmas when the night is starting to wind down, we do our last tradition of the holiday season. My brother and I close our eyes while our dad hides the small, bumpy, plastic pickle ornament somewhere around our house. Once the pickle is hidden, tucked away in our spacious home, the search begins. Whoever finds it first wins the final gift of Christmas. 
My dad bought the ornament in a small town in New Hampshire when I was very young. Ever since that day we have done the tradition every year, and it has become a very special moment amongst the family.
The pickle isn't just a silly game, but instead it’s a reminder of family, joy, and the little things that make the holiday so meaningful. When I think of the ornament, I remember the excitement of racing my brother, my mom subtly trying to give us hints, and the happiness on my dad’s face as he carried on this tradition. 
Even though the pickle game is a common tradition on Christmas, my family makes it unique to us. This object connects me to my childhood, and reminds me that it is ok to hold onto the things that bring us joy as we grow older. For me, the pickle ornament is more then just plastic, but a symbol of my family's closeness, and the cherished memories we made and will hopefully keep making.

– LT

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