Holiday

[LdyBugz]

In all my years, I never knew what those Christmas “poppers” or “crackers” were about even though I have seen them in stores millions of times during the holidays.  I just read about their history though and it’s interesting. 

I’m curious if any of you use crackers as a holiday tradition.  I found some on Amazon that have racing penguins and racing reindeer that look like they would be fun for the grandkids and the reviews were good.  Are they really worth the money though or is it just a waste?  TIA!

[Karlakaye]

We have had the Christmas crackers as our family holiday tradition for years and love them.  We always insist everyone wears those corny tissue crowns during the whole dinner and share the corny jokes.  Last year, I went to a ladies' afternoon Christmas party and the hostess had the racing penquins and snowmen.  We raced them and it was hilarious, so I immediately rushed home and ordered two sets from Amazon to have for my family this year (since it was right after Christmas, they may have been on sale).  They are a little pricey but so cute I think.  Our family is a bit silly and LOVES traditions.   I would say, "Give them a try!!!"  I haven't looked at other sources like I usually do, so they may be everywhere at better prices.  I have gotten them at TJ Maxx, Costco etc.  The Amazon ones certainly are adorable.

HTH a little,

KK

[Bellabutterfly]

It would not be Christmas without them.

This has been a tradition in our family for 27 years.  My husband and I started with "The Christmas Crackers" the year we were married.

In each "Cracker" there is a paper crown, a joke, and a toy.  The more expensive crackers have stainless steel, bracelets, bottle openers, small picture frame, key chains, pill box.  Anyway, these are a few items that I remember being in some that we have purchased.

Everyone, who comes to our home for Christmas Dinner has now come to expect them.  It is great fun! 

[CinNC]

I saw lots of these online - where is the best place to buy them? I think I might like to send some to the grandkids. 

Thanks. 

Cindy 

[Loving My Q]

About 8 years ago, I picked up some "Christmas Crackers"  just after Christmas on clearance. Instead of keeping them for the following Christmas, I used them for our New Year's dinner. Everyone loved them - so now our tradition is to have them for New Year's Day and not Christmas. It adds some fun and festivity to start off the new year.

[LdyBugz]

@Karlakaye, Thanks so much for the info and yes it did help.  Your family sounds like mine where we are a little silly but always have fun.  Thanks for the recommendation.  I'm going to give them a try and place an order! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

~LdyBugz

[LdyBugz]

@Bellabutterfly, @QVC Diva,  Thanks for the feedback, it was helpful.  The crackers sound like they would be fun so I placed an order!  :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

~LdyBugz 

[chrystaltree]

My mom's family came from Canada and remained close to the "Canadian cousins" and the traditions.  So, I grew up with Chritmas crackes.  My grandmother's Christmas Eve dinenrs were very formal and there was always a Christmas cracker at each place setting and at the end of dinner we all "popped" them together to retrieve our prizes.  My mom didn't carry on that tradition with us, so I didn't with my kids. 

[ValuSkr]

I've never heard of Christmas crackers.  They sound kind of silly but traditions don't have to make sense.

[Bellabutterfly]

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@CinNC wrote:

I saw lots of these online - where is the best place to buy them? I think I might like to send some to the grandkids. 

Thanks. 

Cindy 

---

Hi @CinNC !

Cindy of 27 years buying Christmas Crackers the BEST brand is

by:  TOM SMITH. 

They offer "Luxury Crackers for Adults" and "Novality Crackers for Children".  This brand is the BEST as far as quality. 

One year I found the Luxury Tom Smith at Costco at a great price.  One year , TJ Max also had the "Luxury Tom Smith" that I picked up.  I normally just buy online but only Tom Smith.

Some people start the dinner doing this.  My family however, does it after dinner, but before desert and wear our paper crown while opening gifts.

We have a lot of fun and I hope you will too.