Christmas Traditions That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Crackers

It’s hard to believe, but the original Christmas crackers were a flop. It wasn’t until their 1840s inventor, London confectioner Tom Smith, found a way to make them ‘crack’ that they took off with the public. Inspired by paper-wrapped French bonbons, this essential table tradition has always contained a joke or motto. But Smith’s three sons eventually took over the business and played with the formula, adding hats and novelties to appeal to Victorian families who embraced wholeheartedly the idea of a jolly Christmas party. There were even special crackers with gifts such as wedding rings aimed at maiden aunts and bachelor uncles.