I’d like to talk to you about an age old tradition in England that has recently become increasingly popular in the states.  You’re probably thinking, “Ok, I have more than enough traditions to last throughout my Christmas holiday”, but this one is so easy and fun that everyone, no matter what their age, will love it!

The tradition is simply called “The Christmas Crackers”.

You’re probably asking, “What the heck is a Christmas Cracker?”  Well, first of all it’s not food!  The Christmas cracker was invented in 1847 by Tom Smith, a baker of wedding cakes from Clerkenwell, London.  On a trip to Paris in 1840 Smith discovered the “bon-bon”, a sugared almond wrapped in a twist of paper. Back in London, his new sweets became quite popular.  In 1846, while standing at his fireplace, the crackle of a log gave him the flash of inspiration for the cracker.  He pasted small strips of saltpetre to two strips of thin card. As the cards were pulled away from each other, the friction created a crack and a spark (similar to that used in a cap gun).  A cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper, making it resemble an over-sized sweet-wrapper. The cracker is pulled by two people and, much in the manner of a wishbone, the cracker splits unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang.  Inside the cracker is typically a bright paper hat, a small gift, a balloon and a motto or joke.

Last year we had the Tom Smith Christmas Crackers on Christmas Eve and the kids couldn’t wait to “pull” their crackers.  Even the adults were getting into it!  Believe me you’ll love these crackers because they make one heck of an exciting Christmas treat!

Tom Smith Christmas Crackers come in different varieties and you’ll find them all at HalloweenExpress.com.   Along with the Traditional Crackers they have a line of Children’s Christmas Crackers for the younger kids made up of Disney Princesses, Disney Classic Movies, Winnie the Pooh, and other fun designs.  The kids love these! Then they have the Luxury Crackers that are beautifully wrapped in gorgeous silver, gold or cream foil that are perfect for your holiday party.  Make Tom Smith Christmas Crackers part of your holiday traditions!  You’ll be glad you did!