What is a Christmas Cracker?
I love surprises when it comes to gift giving, so Christmas Crackers are something that I'm finding extra magical this season. Not only are they fun little treasures with a unique history, but they make an equally unique tradition you can start now. I'm excited to tell you all about them.
When I first noticed Christmas Crackers, I thought it was just a one person gift filled with surprises. The reality is that it's more of a game. The winner gets to keep the trinkets inside. These Golden Christmas Crackers not only consist of a reward, but once a winner pops open the Christmas Cracker, they will also receive a paper crown (tissue party hat), a motto (joke or riddle), a snap (friction activated popping device), and a small gift or novelty item!
Now, as promised... let me backtrack and tell you more about what a Christmas Cracker is all about. It really is more than meets the eye and I'm currently obsessed.
WHAT IS A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
A Christmas Cracker is a small gift-wrapped cardboard tube with two ends. There are traditionally trinkets inside that include a tissue made hat, small trinket of sorts and jokes and trivia questions inside.
More modernly, Christmas Crackers, "Crackers" are used as decorative party favors to celebrate a variety of other special occasions and festive events. These clever crackers originated in the U.K. They can be a part of your holiday tradition or they can be given as a gift. Would also be a great gift topper, too.
The tradition of pulling the crackers and donning of the party hats that are inside adds to the fun and festive atmosphere to set your holiday celebrations off right.
HOW DO YOU OPEN A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
The idea is that two people will pull and the person with the biggest end of the cracker gets to keep what's inside. When done right, the cracker will make a popping sound. A little hint for you here. Pulling the hardest may not actually help you win. I've found that a moderate tug and pull is more helpful in getting the largest end of the cracker and essentially winning.
DO THEY HAVE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS IN AMERICA?
YES. They are known to be sold at Cost Plus World Market in-store or online during the holiday season. They actually have the largest collection around!
That is really a good and creative idea (as always on your blog)! I would love to try to do such a thing with my own hands. I think it is even more fun doing this with a company of friends! Cool, thank you for the detailed instruction.