many claim the tradition comes from germany, though no one is sure where it originated. i think the pickle ornament concept is made up. it is a conspiracy by the people at hallmark, just like valentine's day. now back to the holiday countdown. they say, you know, seeing a kid's face on christmas morning, the appreciation, the love, it makes it all worthwhile. i think it's. a different story if you're. the parent that had to go out and find that toy. star wars figures r2-d2, chewbacca and princess leia. in 1977, no one expected star wars to be the monster hit that it was. this is not going to be the hot toy. oh, this is going to be the only toy. kenner was kind of caught with their pants down because they didn't anticipate how much demand they would have for star wars toys.