How to Open a Christmas Cracker? A Festive Guide to Fun and Tradition

Christmas is a time for family, fun, and lots of food. But what’s a Christmas table without Christmas crackers? These colourful little tubes aren’t just decorations. They bring laughter, surprise gifts, and fun times to your celebration.

You’ve probably seen those bright bon bon crackers during festive seasons or popping up in Christmas displays. They’re wrapped in shiny paper, tied with lovely ribbons, and always full of festive cheer.

If you’ve ever wondered how to open one properly (and maybe win the little toy inside!), this guide is for you. Also, we will see some interesting facts and history about this fun Christmas tradition.

A Quick Info About Christmas Crackers

Let’s start with the basics. A Christmas cracker is a festive party favourite, especially popular in Australia, the UK, and other Commonwealth countries. They first appeared in the 1800s, thanks to a clever man called Tom Smith, a sweet maker from London. He wanted to make Christmas extra fun, so he added a tiny snap and surprise inside a decorated paper tube.

Inside every Christmas cracker, you’ll find a few little treasures:

• A silly joke or riddle, the cheesier, the better!
• A small toy or gift, sometimes it’s a mini puzzle, a tiny game, or even a cute keyring.
• A paper crown, usually a colourful, folded paper hat that everyone wears at the Christmas table.

Christmas bon bons come in square or cylindrical shapes. Some are simple and bright with cartoon pictures or flower designs. Others are fancy with shiny ribbons, soft colours, and pretty patterns that make your table look extra special.

Inside the Magic of a Christmas Cracker

Before you pull it, it’s fun to know what’s inside! Let’s look at how Christmas poppers are made.

• Outer Shell: This is the outside part you see, usually shaped like a tube. It’s wrapped in bright Christmas colours or beautiful patterns. Some even have glitter or cute Christmas pictures on them.
• Snap Strip: Inside the cracker is a special little strip of paper. When you pull the cracker, it makes a loud “pop” sound. This is because of a tiny chemical reaction (don’t worry, it is perfectly safe).
• Surprises Inside: As soon as the cracker pops, out falls a hat, a joke, and a mini gift. They’re wrapped up and hidden until you pull it open.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Open a Christmas Cracker

Now for the fun part, opening the bon bon crackers! Here’s how you do it the classic way:

Step 1: Gather Your Group

Everyone sits down at the table, and the crackers are placed in front of each person. Get ready to have some laughs!

Step 2: Pair Up

Hold one end of the cracker while the person next to you grabs the other end. You can cross arms with neighbours, so everyone opens crackers together.

Step 3: Pull With a Firm Tug

Pull firmly but smoothly. Don’t jerk it too quickly or you might tear it. A nice steady pull works best.

Step 4: Listen for the Pop!

You’ll hear a fun little “snap” sound when it opens. That means it worked! Now, check what’s inside

Step 5: Enjoy the Surprises

Put on your paper crown (yes, everyone has to wear it, even grandpa!). Read your silly joke out loud and have a laugh with everyone. Then see what small toy or gift you’ve got.

Quick Tips:

Pull slightly upwards to stop things from falling everywhere.

If you’re careful, you can keep the cracker decorations to use later.

If your cracker doesn’t pop, no worries, you still get the fun surprises inside!

Final Words

So, there you have it, a fun and easy guide on how to open a Christmas cracker! Whether you love the big “pop,” the funny jokes, or the tiny gifts, crackers are a happy tradition that brings people together around the table.

Real Christmas Trees is here to make your festive season extra special with our range of bon bon crackers. Made from the safe and highest-quality materials, our crackers add the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas table.

Order now and spread smiles with every pop this Christmas!

FAQs

Q: Why are bonbon crackers called "bonbons"?

 A: The term "bonbon" comes from the French word for "candy" or "sweet." Early crackers often included candies, and the name stuck as a fun way to describe these festive, treat-filled poppers.

Q: Are there bon bon crackers without the “bang” for sensitive ears?

A: Yes! There are “quiet” crackers that skip the popping sound. It makes them perfect for young children, pets, or people who prefer a calmer experience.

Q: Is there a secret to getting the bigger half of the cracker?

A: If you hold the cracker lower and pull slightly upwards, you’re more likely to get the longer end, but it’s all in good festive luck!

Q: Why do some bonbon crackers not “pop”?

A: Moisture, old age, or poor storage can weaken the snap strip. To avoid this, store crackers in a cool, dry place away from humidity.

Q: Do bon bon crackers have to be used only at Christmas?

A: No! While Christmas is the most popular time, bonbon crackers are also used at weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and even New Year’s parties.

Q: Why do bonbon crackers have paper crowns inside?

A: The paper crown tradition is said to date back to the Roman Saturnalia festival, where people wore decorative headpieces to celebrate together.

Q: Can I reuse bonbon crackers?

A: While the snap strip is single-use, you can reuse the outer shell for decoration or refill it with new surprises.