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 favo
