It’s Almost Christmas

Christmas Crackers are an essential way to celebrate the festive holiday season and finish a Christmas dinner. They are used in the place settings and the best way to finish a dinner. Many people don’t know how easily they can be made at home for a special Christmas project.

Tom Smith invented the Christmas cracker in the mid-1800s as pretty paper wrapper that when twisted made a crackling noise and opened to show little gifts and chocolates inside. He was inspired by the crackling of a log, before long he saw millions of Christmas cracker sales.

Now, there are many ways that we can use the Christmas crackers to entertain and create a festive experience for our guests. When your guests open the homemade Christmas crackers after dinner,  they will be surprised to find the little gifts and mini chocolates. Christmas crackers are a wonderful addition as they can be made to match any custom holiday table setting or theme.

Making Homemade Christmas Crackers

You can buy small Christmas cracker kits that make 6 or 8 crackers or buy bulk fill-your-own pre-made Christmas crackers.  Both are kind of expensive but if you buy the bulk kits you can share them if other crafters. Don’t forget – you can choose the gifts that go inside from confetti to small chocolates to little tokens or gifts.

Alternatively, you can make homemade Christmas crackers from scratch. They can be easily created with pretty Christmas paper, cardboard, and a little bit of ribbon!  You can buy cardboard tubes or use a paper towel roll to create the perfect size Christmas cracker. Fill it with toys, and decorate it with sparkles, paint or ribbons. Next, fill the cracker with toys and mini chocolates and then secure both ends with ribbon. Make sure that the paper on the ends of the cracker  is gathered as it creates a special effect. Use foil paper for a little more of a challenge!

Making Christmas crackers is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and it’s an activity that kids can enjoy, too. Like opening presents or sharing a Christmas dinner, homemade Christmas crackers can make a wonderful family tradition.

Recommended from Amazon:

• Tom Smith’s Christmas Crackers: An Illustrated History
• Christmas Crackers Holly & Cardinal Design 10