Christmas crackers are a tradition straight from England. On the table at mealtime, some hosts can place a few for their guests. But what is it exactly? How to make it at home? And where can I buy ready-made ones?
At the time of the end-of-year celebrations, certain customs take on their full meaning, such as christmas crackers. These cardboard foils, wrapped in colorful gift paper, are legion in England. The British have a tradition of Christmas place crackers, also called christmas crackers, on the plates of each guest at mealtime. Inside hides one or more surprises. Once at the table, the guests can open them and appreciate what they have received. Since then, the habit has remained with our neighbors across the Channel but has also settled in France with certain families. Crackers are even sometimes present on New Year’s Day. Christmas crackers are both a pretty decoration for the table, and a nice or funny touch for each of the guests.
What is the origin of the tradition of Christmas crackers?
Christmas crackers are an English tradition, but which found its inspiration in France and more precisely in Paris. According to the story, crackers were created in 1847 by an English assistant baker named Tom Smith. On a trip to Paris, he would have been inspired by the dragees he would have seen wrapped in a wrapper of tissue paper. The idea germinated in his head and he decided to take up this concept of a tube-shaped wrapper to insert the treats he was making and sell them.
What’s inside Christmas crackers?
Typically, traditional Christmas crackers contain riddles, confetti, and sometimes little surprises. In other more original versions, you can find sweets, delicacies, even cosmetics inside. Some also put harmless firecrackers in the crackers for humor, so that it makes noise when the person opens it.
Making Christmas crackers requires very little material. You will need:
- Gift wrap
- Canson-style A4 sheets
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Rule
- Pencil
- Pair of scissors or a box cutter
- Ribbon
All you have to do is fill them with surprises!
What to put in Christmas crackers?
Depending on your budget and your desires, you can put almost anything you want in the Christmas crackers. The main thing is that it can fit in a small format. To please your guests, you can slip in:
- a mini hand cream,
- a lip balm,
- a nice pen,
- a tea bag,
- a pair of fancy earrings,
- a homemade darling,
- a keyring,
- a perfume miniature, etc.
You are free to do according to the tastes of each of your guests or what you have to show them. One thing is certain, a nice and personalized note will always please and make a good start to start the festive meal!
Where to buy ready-made Christmas crackers?
Many stores sell Christmas crackers already filled and ready to use. You can find them in Monoprix, Hema, Zodio, Leroy Merlin stores, Le Comptoir Irlandais stores and those of the Grande Épicerie de Paris. Some e-commerce sites like Amazon also offer them for sale.