Christmas Crackers
A Christmas Cracker is a traditional 'must have' at any British dinner table on Christmas day and will help the day go with a BANG!
The Christmas Countdown Has Begun!
What Is A Christmas Cracker?
Christmas crackers are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and in other Commonwealth countries.A cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper, making it resemble an oversized sweet-wrapper.
The cracker is pulled at each end by two people, and, much in the manner of a wishbone, the cracker splits unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang produced by the effect of friction on a chemically impregnated card strip (similar to that used in a cap gun). Hence the 'cracker' part of the name.
In one version of the tradition the person with the larger portion of cracker empties the contents from the tube and keeps them. This is how we do it in our family.
In another each person will have their own cracker and will keep its contents regardless of whose end they were in.
Typically these contents are a coloured paper hat or crown; a small toy or other trinket and a motto, a joke or piece of trivia on a small strip of paper. Crackers are usually pulled after Christmas dinner.
Ready made crackers are typically sold in boxes of six or twelve. These typically have different designs usually with red, green and gold colours.
Making crackers from scratch using the tubes from used toilet rolls and tissue paper used to be a common activity for children, but unfortunately, this seems to be fading out.
Adapted from Wikipedia
Christmas Cracker Commercial
24studio Luxury Wind Up Christmas Crackers
Similarly, in most standard commercial products, the "gift" is equally awful, although things have changed in recent years and a much wider choice is now available.
Some people will make their own (typically from kits) and add inexpensive but personalised gifts.
Craft packs are now becoming popular.
Christmas Cracker Books on Amazon
Tom Smith Inventor Of The Christmas Cracker
Tom SmithIn early 1830, Tom Smith started work as a young boy in a bakers and ornamental confectioners shop in London. He sold sweets such as fondants, pralines and gum pastilles. He worked hard and took particular interest in the wedding cake ornaments and decorations.
He experimented and created new, more exciting and less crude designs in his spare time. Before long he was successful enough to start his own business in Goswell Road, Clerkenwell, East London.
Tom Smith was adventurous and forward thinking, often traveling abroad to search for new ideas. It was on a trip to Paris in 1840 that he first discovered the 'bon bon' -- a sugared almond wrapped in a twist of tissue paper. It was a simple idea which, over the next 7 years, would eventually evolve into the Cracker.
It was the crackle of a log as he threw it on his fire that gave him the flash of inspiration which eventually led to the crackers we know today.
Information found on Tom Smith Christmas Crackers.com
How To Pull A Cracker!
Christmas Cracker Traditions
In my family, Christmas crackers are placed on the dinner table and are pulled at the start of the meal.Other famiies may pull theirs after the main course but before the dessert.
They can be placed on the dinner plate, at the side of the cutlery, or above the dinner plate by the dessert spoon. It varies from household to household, but all are acceptable.
You pull the cracker by offering one end to the person sat next to you... left or right of you, your choice. You both take hold of one end and PULL!! Some are very tough to pull and will take you by surprise.
The BANG of the cracker can be quite loud as it's pulled. The person left holding the main body of the cracker, gets to keep the contents.
You may find a keyring, earrings, even a false moustouche, which of course you'll be expected to try on! Usually, the cracker contains a cheap trinket but you can buy luxury crackers that can contain more expensive gifts.
There will also be a paper hat, maybe foil, that you will be required to wear for the remainder of the meal. Depending on how much Christmas spirit is consumed, you may find you're still wearing the hat at bedtime!
There will also be a joke or motto, which you'll be expected to read aloudfor everyone to hear... and groan at.
Great British Christmas Lenses
-
British Christmas Cakes
-
The traditional British Christmas Cake is full of fruit, nuts, and spices, usually with added alcohol in the form of brandy or rum. It's a rich mixture, covered with royal icing (a kind of frosting) and decorated. It's often the centrepiece of the Ch...
-
Pantomime - a Great British Tradition
-
In the UK a Pantomime, or "Panto" as it is usually affectionately called, is a musical show, performed around Christmas for the entertainment of millions of families. Many of the stories are based around popular Fairy Tales. Children love to see thei...
-
Christmas at AJ's
-
Christmas at AJ's is quite a traditional affair. There's Christmas stockings that Santa fills on Christmas Eve, presents under the tree, turkey for lunch, games in the evening and of course we have to watch Dr Who. The only thing that is usually miss...
-
Christmas Traditions in Britain
-
It seems that every country that celebrates Christmas has its own traditions and customs and Great Britain is no different although I believe we share a lot of ours with the USA and Commonwealth countries. Individual families often have their own pa...
Christmas Crackers on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Other Cracking Ideas
Crackers come in all styles, colours and to suit all pockets.You may like some aimed at children decorated with Thomas the Tank Engine or maybe Barbie. Whatever you can think of, you'll probably find a cracker to suit.
If you have a colour theme for your room or table, you'll also find crackers to compliment your arrangements.
If you're giving cash for Christmas, you can fold and tuck a note into the middle of a cracker as a more novel way of giving rather than in an envelope.
Mini crackers are popular as tree decorations too.
Featured Christmas Lenses By Great Lensmasters
There are some super lenses on Squidoo all about Christmas. I hope to put a good variety of them here. Well done to these lensmasters!-
Countdown to Christmas
-
This lens is all about getting ready for Christmas. Not about what gifts to buy your relatives, or how to host a perfect holiday party, but the special, meaningful things that families may do together during the season of Advent. I've found some beau...
-
Low Cost Christmas Decorations
-
Sure you are being after decorating your home for Christmas this year again? So, have you finished the first step? When it touches decorating for Christmas, the very first step is getting the Christmas decorations. Unluckily, in today's world, especi...
-
Pantomime - a Great British Tradition
-
In the UK a Pantomime, or "Panto" as it is usually affectionately called, is a musical show, performed around Christmas for the entertainment of millions of families. Many of the stories are based around popular Fairy Tales. Children love to see thei...
-
Christmas Ideas 2008
-
Welcome to great Christmas ideas 2008 and I hope you have some fun browsing the site. I've included some of my favorite gift ideas for the "hard to buy for" person on your list as well as craft and decorating ideas which I hope you will find...
-
How to Write a Letter to Santa Claus
-
Christmas is a very busy time of year for Santa Claus. He has to get the sleigh ready, make sure the elves have finished all the toys, and check his list twice to be sure he hasn't forgotten any good girls and boys. But in the midst of all this chaos...
Make Your Own!
It's also quite popular to make your own, personalised gifts.My Mother once did this and put a small black undergarment in my cracker. My husband was delighted, but my children were not amused!!!
This site shows you how to do it;
Old English Crackers.com
Christmas Crafts Lenses
These are great lenses with information about Christmas Crafts and activities for children over the Christmas Holidays. I hope you have time to visit them.-
Christmas Crafts - Decorations, Gifts, Giftwrap and More
-
This lens is filled with free holiday crafts projects, decorating tips and crafty freebies for you to make Christmas gifts, ornaments, decorations, greeting cards, stickers and gift wrap on a budget. Crafty Christmas gifts and ornaments come straight...
-
Christmas Clip Art
-
Here's all you need to know to find the best good quality Christmas clip art and New Year graphics. You'll find hundreds of sources for Christmas craft graphics and holiday clip art borders in this Christmas Clip Art and New Year Graphics lens. You...
-
How to Write Family Christmas Letters
-
Love 'em or hate 'em, family Christmas letters have become a part of our culture. Here are some tips on how to write Christmas letters your readers will enjoy.
-
Christmas Coloring Fun
-
Christmas coloring pages and coloring craft sheets will keep the kids occupied in the hectic days before the holidays. Print out Christmas and New Year coloring pictures to decorate with crayons, markers, glitter, colored pencils, paints or colored c...
Are You Familiar With Christmas Crackers?
Do Christmas Crackers form part of your family Christmas celebration? Would Christmas not be the same without them? Or is the first you have heard of them? Do they sound like a good idea to add something new to your Christmas traditions? Please let me know...
Are Christmas Crackers a tradition in your family?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byAbsolutely! It wouldn't be Christmas without them.
norbridgeantiques says:
This is still part of our tradition in Canada. It's always such fun for the children.
Posted February 28, 2009
jesse says:
yas they are
Posted January 12, 2009
rsmith17 says:
I just started using Crackers at the dinner table a couple of years ago. We open them before the meal. It's a lot of fun and the grandchildren love it!
Posted December 10, 2008
dannystaple says:
We have had them for years, in fact, our mother insisted that the jokes were read and the hat was worn! My Chinese wife enjoys the tradition with our Christmas meal in London now.
Posted December 05, 2008
AndyPo says:
My other half is Russian and had never seen them, so before our first Christmas together I bought a big box of them gave her one with every meal leading up to the big day - a kind of training class in British etiquette.
Posted December 01, 2008
aj2008 says:
Yes and even my Mum will wear the hat, despite worrying that it might mess up her hair!
Posted November 15, 2008
Treasures-By-Brenda says:
We love Christmas crackers! They are always different and they are always of different quality. Most recently we had crackers with beautiful pewter ornaments inside. The only problem was that when we opened them, they become dangerous missiles! Look out Grandma!
Brenda
Posted November 10, 2008
debnet says:
We also put minature ones on the tree with a small gift to open on Boxing Day. (The day after Christmas Day which is also a holiday in the U.K.)
Posted November 01, 2008
I hadn't heard of them, but I love new traditions.
Vacation-In-My-Head says:
This is the 1st time that I have heard of them. But they do sound like they would be a great part of a Christmas tradition.
Posted February 06, 2009
Intuitive says:
No because I'm in the US. But I remember reading about them in books written by British authors.
Posted November 28, 2008
1Penny2 says:
Its the first I've heard of them but it sounds like a fun tradition.
Posted November 25, 2008
Cari_Kay says:
You know I know about these but we've never had them (selected the "I hadn't heard..." choice though because it was closest). I think this would be a fun craft for the kids. I think we may start a tradition this year...thank you!
Posted November 24, 2008
Christmas On Amazon
Other Great Christmas Lenses
These are some other great Christmas lenses on Squidoo, and I invite you to take a look at them if you have time. Lensmasters - if you would like to add a lens to this list, please could you in return add a link back to this one. Thanks and have a Wonderful Christmas. Feel free also to grab this list to use in one or more of your lenses.
Christmas Crackers
I decided to write about Christmas Crackers after more...3 points
Christmas at AJ's
Christmas at AJ's is quite a traditional affair. T more...2 points
Twelve Days of a Green & Ethical Christmas
Christmas to my family is simply a time of being t more...2 points
The Daily Joke - December 2008
The Daily Joke for December just couldn't be anyth more...2 points
Holidays with Grandma
Holidays really didn't kick-off at our house until more...2 points
Christmas Nativity Sets
Remembering Christmases past, I think of the beaut more...2 points
Pantomime - a Great British Tradition
In the UK a Pantomime, or 'Panto' as it is usually more...1 point
Christmas Angels
Christmas is a time of year that evokes memories t more...1 point
Christmas Eggnog -- A Delicious Recipe for a Holiday Tradition
Eggnog is something that my family looks forward t more...1 point
Christmas Fruitcake -- A Delicious Recipe for a Holiday Tradition
Growing up in Northeastern Ohio, we generally rece more...1 point
Christmas Greetings -- Merry e-Tidings
Christmas time evokes such pleasant memories of by more...1 point
Christmas Mistletoe -- A Delicious Recipe for a Holiday Tradition
Growing up in our household, Christmas was a favor more...1 point
Best Christmas Presents for Gifting
Having a difficult time trying to decide what to g more...1 point
ScentChips Hollywood
Great smelling scented candle products in Hollywoo more...1 point
Natural Gifts And Decorations For Christmas
Give gifts and decorate with products made from na more...1 point
Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts, Presents and Decorations
Whether you are looking for ornaments or decoratio more...1 point
Looking For A Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle?
Each year my family works on a Christmas jigsaw pu more...1 point
Christmas Video Showcase
Christmas is a time of giving, a time of loving an more...1 point
Cool Christmas Gifts under $25.00 for Gifting
Gifts that are under $25.00 could easily be referr more...1 point
The Worst Gifts I Ever Received
A very humorous lens about receiving bad gifts.1 point
Take Time to Enjoy Christmas
I love the holidays!They are only stressful if you more...1 point
Gemstone Jewelry | Information on How To Buy Gemstones.
Unbiased information on gemstones and guide to buy more...1 point
Cajun Night Before Christmas
Did you know that Santa once moved to Louisiana an more...0 points
Swarovski Christmas Ornaments
Swarovski is well known for its lead crystal glass more...0 points
Low Cost Christmas Decorations
Sure you are being after decorating your home for more...0 points
Care Of Christmas Trees
After all that time and effort is put into the sel more...0 points
Christmas Shopping at Discount Prices
Christmas is just around the corner and all the ta more...0 points
Just Meyda Tiffany Lighting and Gifts - FREE SHIPPING (in US and Canada)!
Offering one of the largest online selections of M more...0 points
LED Christmas Lights
Large selection of environmentally friendly LED Ch more...0 points
Vote For Your Favourite Christmas Song
Debnet's Fave Christmas Songs
Which of these is your favourite?
If You Thought This Lens Was A Cracker, Leave A Comment Here!
CLICK HERE to join Squidoo and create your own first lens. What to make a lens about? How about YOU! A short biography of yourself is always a good way to start as a lensmaster. That should take about 5 minutes - you can come back to it and improve it time and time again.
CLICK HERE to join TAGFOOT and meet a whole new online community. Want to share a lens, a news item or just have fun? Great for bookmarking and you can even upload pics!
norbridgeantiques wrote...
Thank you for this lens. This is a 5*. This is also a tradition for many of us Canadians.
Posted February 28, 2009
aj2008 wrote...
My Mum has just proudly announced that she and my Dad have bought the crackers for this year. Hmm, not sure if it is a good or bad thing - bless!
Posted December 17, 2008
mistyblue75605 wrote...
great lens great subject for the time of year! 5*'s
Posted December 16, 2008
JaguarJulie wrote...
Ho ho ho -- just popped in for another visit to your fine lens. Best wishes for the holiday season and new year my dear!
Posted December 13, 2008
Winter52 wrote...
I married a Brit so I definitely know about Christmas Crackers and we have ours ready to go... silly hats and all. Really enjoyed your lens :) Can't believe how soon the big day will be here!
Posted December 11, 2008
rsmith17 wrote...
Love your lens. In Canada, they sell crackers every holiday season. My experience has been that I've seen them used more often on New Year's Eve, rather than on Christmas. 5 stars and a lensroll.
Posted December 10, 2008
EverythingMouse wrote...
It is getting easier to find Christmas crackers in the US now. But none of my US friends seem to know what they are!
Posted December 09, 2008
JaguarJulie wrote...
Well, the Christmas cracker is new to me -- we are pretty good with experimenting with what to put on a cracker. For the most part, it is variations of cheese. A most complete lens!
Posted December 06, 2008
dannystaple wrote...
Making your own crackers can have varied results - sometimes the jokes are actually worse! It is good fun though. The little trinkets and pressies are really more about a bit of fun than anything else - generally shared or handed to younger members of the family.
What a great lens!
Posted December 05, 2008
AndyPo wrote...
I came back to stumble your lens and discover that I also forgot to rate and favourite it last time I visited. Sorry about that. This time I remembered.
Posted December 04, 2008
alteredkat wrote...
lovely lens...lens rolled it over to my Christmas gift guide...great pics...5*...I love Christmas crackers...it's not the same without the funny hats ;o)
Posted December 02, 2008
AndyPo wrote...
Great lens. I didn't know they were mostly a British thing, but then I have never had Christmas anywhere else.
Posted December 01, 2008
Intuitive wrote...
I've only ever read about Christmas crackers, but didn't know really how they worked. Thanks for explaining them so clearly. 5*
Posted November 28, 2008
Christene wrote...
Beautiful lens!
5* and lensrolled to my Countdown to Christmas lens. :)
Posted November 28, 2008
Mortira wrote...
Sometimes the totally junky prizes in crackers end up being pretty cool. I once got a keychain that I kept on my keys for years. I even saw the same keychain in a car commercial once.
Great lens! 5 stars and a 'roll to my recycled Christmas cards lens!
Posted November 27, 2008
1Penny2 wrote...
What a fun traditon! I love adding new Christmas traditions to our celebration.
Great lens
Bj
Posted November 25, 2008
lisadh wrote...
Thanks for featuring a couple of my lenses! I've lensrolled you to my Santa letters and Christmas letters pages, as well as my lenses on candy canes and funny Christmas songs. 5*
Posted November 24, 2008
Love This Lens?
- Rate this lens:
- Email it
- Favorite it
- Lensroll it
A Selection Of My Other Lenses
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by
by debnet
I live in the south of England & work in education. I'm busy juggling working full time with a busy online social life.
I'm a Bigfoot and Mentor on T... (more)
