CHRISTMAS CRACKER

A Christmas cracker takes the form of a small cardboard tube covered in decorative wrap and containing a strip of chemically impregnated paper which, when pulled, creates a miniature explosive snap. When opened, the cracker reveals a paper hat, a motto or joke and a small prize.

The cracker was invented in 1847 by a London convectioner named Tom Smith. The idea began with the bon bon. To this Smith added a small motto and then conceived the idea of incorporating the noise made when throwing a log on a crackling fire.

It is now an indispensable part of Christmas dinner in millions of homes around the world.