A Christmas tradition still observed in some homes has evolved from a wonderful story about a Civil War soldier. It may be merely a story, but it is as other Christmas stories, one that shares the power of hope.

The legend says that a man by the name of John Lower immigrated from Germany and enlisted to serve in the Union Army. Unfortunately he was captured and held prisoner at Andersonville, Georgia. Day after day went by and his body wasted to skin and bones. 

Christmas, 1864, John was near death and begged a Confederate guard to please grant him one wish, which was to share a taste of a pickle the guard was munching upon.  John said, "That pickle brings back memories of home in Germany, and Christmases there. Oh what I would give for one more taste of home."

The guard took pity upon John and gave him a pickle. John ate it hungrily and though the guard saw only a dying man, John felt ever so slightly better. He was filled with hope and gratitude for the act of kindness. Where before he had no will to live, now he grew a bit stronger.  He slept that night and awoke the next day with a stronger will to live. Not long after that Christmas, the war ended, and John and his fellow prisoners were liberated.

In honor of the memory of the kindness and mercy shown him by that guard, John began a tradition on Christmas Eve, of hiding a pickle in the branches of his Christmas tree each year. He would bestow upon the child that found the pickle on Christmas morning a special gift, declaring that child would have great fortune the following year.

At Christmas time, we wish all peace, happiness, and good will toward everyone.