Day 11….not only are we almost at the end of this special Christmas series, but we are also fast approaching the big day itself. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone.
Today’s post is about Christmas crackers. We had Christmas Crackers from Costco last Christmas, and they were great. I’ve never really been a big fan – having the only kid in the extended family meant that every year we came home laden with useless little toys and knickknacks that she refused to get rid of. Invariably they would float around the house, appearing at odd intervals in even odder places until one of use would throw them out. Not so with some of the Tom Smith gifts – (the pocket calculator from last year lived in my handbag for ages!).
Costco stocks Tom Smith brand Christmas Crackers
Tom Smith Luxury Christmas Crackers (8 Pack) – $39.99
- Each cracker is 12.5″ long and there are 8 crackers in a box, 4 of each design
- Top quality brand with quality gifts
- Beautiful ribbons and details on foil packaging
- Quality gifts like picture frame, tie pin, lipstick case, cuff link, bottle stopper, hip flask, cruet set, luggage tag, compact mirror, key ring, money clip, and a pack of cards
Tom Smith Luxury Christmas Crackers Catering Pack (25) – $25.99
History of Christmas Crackers – referenced from the Tom Smith Christmas Cracker website:
What are Christmas Crackers?
In 1847, almost by accident, Tom Smith invented the cracker. it was a simple idea which became an integral part of British celebration and tradition which still continues today, 150 years on. In its simplest form, a cracker is a small cardboard tube covered in a brightly colored twist of paper. When the cracker is pulled by two people, each holding one end of the twisted paper covered tube, the friction creates a small explosive ‘pop’. This ‘pop’ is produced by a narrow strip of chemically impregnated paper. The cracker tears apart and out of the cardboard tube tumbles a bright paper hat, a small gift, a balloon and a motto or joke. It is a running joke that all the jokes and mottos in crackers are unfunny and unmemorable. Similarly, in most standard commercial products, the “gift” is equally awful, although wealthier individuals—notably, the royal family—may use custom crackers with more expensive rewards.
In addition to Christmas Crackers, “Crackers” are used as decorative party favors to celebrate a variety of other special occasions and festive events. The pulling of crackers and donning of the party hats creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere certain to get any party function off the ground. Crackers provide a colorful and exciting start to any celebration, and also present each guest with a gift by which to remember the days events. At Christmas, crackers make great tree ornaments, stocking stuffers, and welcoming gifts for visiting friends and relatives. They can also be used as invitations, promotional gifts, an advertising medium, shower and wedding favors, and individualized gifts for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
This is the remarkable story of the Cracker – an unique insight into one of Britain’s most enduring traditions which continues to bring pleasure to all ages and generations, from children to grandparents.