Call me crazy (it is only two days after Thanksgiving). Call me a hypocrite (the season of Advent doesn’t even start until tomorrow). Or just call me desperate to suck in as much Christmas joy as is possible this season. But the tree is decorated. And this year’s ornament of distinction is, you guessed it, a pickle.
Pickle ornaments aren’t anything new. They have been part of some families’ Christmas traditions since the late 1900s and may or may not have originated in Germany. You can read more about their history here. But it just seemed necessary that this pickled pastor’s first sober Christmas have a pickle on the tree.
I have no adult memories of a sober Christmas, so this year’s holiday is going to be a little different (to say the least). No egg nog, no hot spiced wine, no Kahlúa in my morning coffee, and no—under any circumstances—merlot. Merlot is not invited this year. Her name was a necessary deletion from my guest list.
But I do believe my sobriety will make for a very special Christmas. That is why I wanted to get the preliminaries out of the way early. I intend to spend the entire month of December staying focused on all things joyful: children’s laughter, dancing lights, and carols celebrating the birth of Jesus. Yes, I want Jesus to be front and center this year.
Now that I am not responsible to coordinate and deliver a spectacular season of worship experiences, I anticipate actually having the time to prayerfully reflect on the significance of our Savior’s birth—especially as I continue trying to reconcile my vocation, my faith, and my alcoholism.
I am going to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas every time it airs and let Linus preach to me. “That’s what Christmas is all about, Pickled P.” Indeed it is. Christmas is about forgiveness, about hope and restored relationship. Christmas is about the love of a God who still hasn’t given up on her people—even me.
Yes. This Christmas is going to be different. I am going to sing and laugh and pray like crazy. And whenever I lose focus and forget all that Christmas is meant to be about, I have a pickle on the tree to remind me. I am a servant of Christ who also happens to be a recovering alcoholic. Each and every day is cause for celebration and gratitude.
Merry Christmas!
the pickled pastor 
And when the cucumber becomes a pickle, there is no going back! We will know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
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That so awesome!! I wish that I could be a little more festive, but I really struggle during the holidays and I try not to remember my beatings and not live in fear. It a process but I’ll get though it with help from my higher power.
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Every process is a journey and every journey has a destination. Each day of negotiating all that lies between here and there is another day spent in the presence of God, another day closer to freedom and joy. Blessed travels.
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The holidays are often particularly hard for those of us who survived beatings near or on them. Hang in there, it does get better. Even if it never goes away. You are not alone. Both God and fellow survivors are with you.
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From my very experienced view of experiencing Christmas sober for the second time, your state of mind is beautiful. You’ll now have real, authentic Christmas memories to enjoy and share … with a new friend now that Merlot is no longer invited.
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I love Chrismas, I love Pickles and I love your Blog!! I did not know that about pickles, I love learning something new… I think you are going to have a wonderful December. I really admire your positive attitude and your forward direction… God bless
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Right back at ya! Have yourself a very merry December!
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Thank you 🎄🎅
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The pickle is a perfect addition to your Christmas tree! It symbolizes hope, acceptance, and a commitment to staying sober during the tough holiday season. God bless you!
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I had no idea that pickles were connected with Christmas. It’s a lovely post with such a positive message. You summed up the real meaning of Christmas and what it’s all about. When I’m struggling I will try to remember your message and carry it through into my festive celebrations. I want to celebrate Christ’s birth and I don’t need alcohol to do that. Have a wonderful December. x
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I have close to 30 yrs sobriety and also same in recovery for anorexia. So it can be done. God has given me a gift. The gift of sobriety. So mainly I just wanted to be supportive to you. How do you get to 28 yrs? One Day at a Time. Keep moving forward and don’t let go of Jesus’ hand…Glad you are blogging….Glad I found you. A God Thing to be sure…
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Amen!
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I have to ask – Is that a REAL pickle on your tree? hahaha! There are alcohol free eggnog recipes out there, if you really like it (I never have, so couldn’t be bothered). Enjoy your sober Christmas!
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I have just one question. Is it one of the sweet variety or not?
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I have never seen A Charlie Brown Christmas, fingers crossed I find it on one of the channels this year. Love the foto of the tinsel, sparkle is such an uplift 😉 😉 looking forward to reading more on your blog and appreciating joy of the holidays too. Good call.
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Just so happens A Charlie Brown Christmas will be airing 12/16 on ABC. Enjoy.
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