crackers at Christmas

One of my favourite Christmas traditions is Christmas crackers (bon-bons).  Some of my earliest memories of Christmas are of trips to the shops to find crackers for the Christmas table.  I think this trip was one of the few times we went to the shops and saw all the store decorations during Christmas.

These days, I’m unmoved by crackers I find in shops - they seem pricey with worthless gifts inside.  But I can’t have Christmas without crackers, so I began making my own. 

To make your own you can buy kits with crackers to assemble, jokes, hats and a snap.  Or you can buy packs of snaps and make your own from scratch – here are some directions online.  You can also carefully open store-bought crackers and insert your own gifts.

Homemade crackers make a great present for adults who you want to give a little something to, but don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money on.  They are also a lovely way to present any small (but not fragile!) gift.

Some ideas of what to put in crackers
jokes
chocolates, candy canes or other sweets
small Christmas ornaments

For children
bouncy balls
stickers
tattoos
hair ties
matchbox cars
stationery – small pens, stamps, erasers, chalk
balloons
torch
bubble mix

For adults
mini bottles of alcohol
scratchies
keyrings
jewellery
beauty items – nail file, polish, manicure kit, lip gloss
coin purse
small tools – screwdriver, measuring tape

Do you have crackers (bon-bons) at Christmas?  What are your favourite Christmas traditions?