From Grainline Studio:
The Christmas pickle is a holiday tradition where a Christmas ornament in the shape of a pickle is hidden somewhere on the tree and the first to find the pickle on Christmas morning either receives an extra present, gets to open their presents first, or is said to receive good luck in the following year. No one really knows the true story of how it was started, though there are some very strange tales you can read about here. With this pattern you can make a pickle of your very own (or to give as a gift) and bring this fun tradition to your family this Christmas!