Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

When pulling a Christmas Cracker, You Should Really Know Why You’re Doing It

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Most people who celebrate Christmas will have pulled a Christmas cracker with their families over a Christmas meal before, trying to grab the biggest part so that they win the game of ‘tug of war’ that it entails but few probably know the origin and history of how the ‘activity’ came to be. When you stop to think about, what it consists of it’s an interesting subject to learn about;

Firstly, you must understand what it’s all about

You must have asked yourself before, why are there terrible jokes inside, a prize of some kind, a paper crown for the ‘winner’ to wear and why are crackers so popular? At Christmas time you can find signs saying things like order Christmas bon bons here everywhere! Well, either way you could find that, learning everything you need to know about Christmas crackers gives you an edge when it comes to Christmas dinner table chit chat and banter.

Starting with the very basics for those that know very little; As mentioned above a Christmas cracker usually includes a paper hat, a bad (cheesy) joke, and a little present, the quality of which tends to be determined by the price of the cracker.

Crackers are also known as ‘Christmas Bon Bon’s’ which come in various sizes, colours and overall quality. There is a big difference between the cheaper crackers and the more expensive type, the difference could be vast, for example, you could get a cheap plastic dice that give the same result each time it’s thrown or, a carefully crafted piece of glassware or something like silverware

Where did they come from - 1846?

Thomas Smith, a British confectioner, introduced Christmas crackers in 1846 when he was on a vacation to Paris, he came across a bob-bon, which is essentially a sugar almond wrapped in tissue paper with a twist on either side of the bon-bon. Inspired by the science behind the idea, Thomas believed it would be a festive way to consume sweets, so he made more confectionery in the same style in the run-up to Christmas Thomas' Christmas bon-bons were a hit, which inspired his next big idea.

Because these Christmas bonbons were primarily purchased by men for their partners to unwrap, Thomas then came up with the idea of including romantic poems wrapped around the candy in the early 1850. They were designed to be cute and affectionate, adding something a little extra to the overall occasion.

Research and Development in - 1860

Thomas was later inspired by the crackling of his fireplace logs whilst on his Christmas holiday, and, in around 1860, he thought that his crackers needed a further surprise, a bang! He added two strips of chemically impregnated paper that, when pulled apart, generates a loud noise, the exact same method is used today, although the lower end crackers sometimes have a tendency not just ‘pull apart’ leaving you with one long strip that absolutely has to be pulled apart.

How did they get their name, and what happened to the romance?

Christmas crackers were originally called casques, but they were swiftly nicknamed ‘crackers’ after the cracking sound they made, when pulled was introduced. Christmas Cracker Jokes are a fun way to pass the time over the holidays and, because they were so awfully good, by the end of the 1930’s all romantic type poems were now really bad ‘cheesy jokes.

Top 10 Guest Posting and Content Agencies in Massachusetts for 2025

Digital marketing relies on SEO content creation and guest posting to get more people to see your website, increase search engine rankings, and establ...

Same Day Rubbish Removal: Convenience and Efficiency at Your Doorstep

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. From on-demand food delivery to next-day shipping, modern living is all about getting what you n...

Optimising Workforce Efficiency: The Benefits and Implementation of Employee Scheduling Software

"Master workforce management with our guide on Employee Scheduling Software. Streamline tasks & increase efficiency seamlessly!" Employee sched...

Enhancing Road Safety with Technology and Apps

Road safety has always been a critical concern for individuals, organisations, and governments alike. With the rapid advancements in technology, a n...

Best Cleaning Methods and Tools for Solar Panels

Solar panels are a fantastic way to harness renewable energy, but keeping them clean is essential to maximise their efficiency. Dust, grime, bird dr...

The Benefits of Implementing a Uniform Policy

A well-thought-out uniform policy can be a game-changer for organisations of all types. Whether you run a corporate office, a retail store, or a tra...

Why Hiring a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

Car accidents can be life-altering, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. When faced with suc...

Can Your Air Conditioner Prevent Illness?

When you think about air conditioning, you probably picture cool air on a hot summer day. But what if your AC could do much more than keep you com...

The Evolution of Cloud VPS Providers in Meeting Business Hosting Requirements

Cloud VPS providers have brought in a new way of managing business application hosting. VPS refers to virtual private servers, offering dedicated ...

Japanese Irezumi Tattoos: The History and Meaning Behind the Art

Japanese Irezumi tattoos are celebrated worldwide for their intricate detail, deep symbolism, and rich cultural history. With roots that trace back ...

Polo Shirts: Wardrobe Essential for All

Polo shirts have started the journey as sportswear. But now, these are regarded as the best workwear. Also, people love to wear them for personal ga...

Leading the Competition with a Powerful Exhibition Presence

Exhibitions are vibrant, fast-paced events where businesses compete to catch attention and leave their mark. With countless stands offering similar ...

The Benefits of Rainwater Tanks: A Sustainable Solution for Water Conservation

In today’s world, where water scarcity is a growing concern, finding sustainable ways to conserve and manage water resources has never been more i...

Health Heroes: 5 Unique Careers in Health and Wellness

When we think of health and wellness careers, the first roles that often come to mind are doctors and nurses. However, the world of healthcare is fa...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attent...

The Rise of Eco-Skips: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Eco-skips are becoming an essential tool in modern waste management. These skips support sustainable practices. They minimise environmental impact w...

Managed IT Services for Australian Retailers

Australian retailers are constantly being compelled to deliver flawless customer experiences with tight security measures. Managed IT services, or M...

What to Consider When Looking for Family Lawyers in Brisbane

Family law issues can be deeply personal and emotionally charged, making it important to choose the right family lawyers in Brisbane. Whether you're...