topic Re: Christmas crackers in Off-Topic

Christmas crackers

EmilieT — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 09:57:45 GMT

Hi everyone,

Before I came to the UK, I had only ever seen Christmas crackers in British movies or TV shows. Now that I've been living here for over 5 years, I couldn't imagine celebrating the Holidays without them!

We all know the "classic" cracker anatomy - a silly joke, a little accessory or toy to keep you entertained for a little while, and a gorgeous hat that suits all heads. However browsing online I've also seen some homemade, themed, or even fancy ones!

So today we wanted to ask you about your experience with Christmas crackers Do you usually get "classic" ones or have you ever tried any specialised crackers? What's the best joke or surprise you've found in one?

Let us know in the comments!

Re: Christmas crackers

davethorp — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 10:37:55 GMT

Usually just get the traditional ones. Everyone has to wear their silly hats followed by obligitory silly hat selfies that usually get uploaded to Facebook

Though thanks for reminding me I still need to buy them

Re: Christmas crackers

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 11:07:03 GMT

Another waste of the world's resources..

Re: Christmas crackers

Cleoriff — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 11:15:24 GMT

I've always bought the more expensive crackers...(sorry but that's just what I like)

Don't be fooled though, by expensive I mean from Tesco....

This is because my Chrismas tablecloth is red with white and holly border. Also these crackers have quite good presents inside. Still using a mini screwdriver kit...lol

Re: Christmas crackers

Glory1 — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 12:56:44 GMT

All my friends get the more expensive crackers like @Cleoriff but from M&S, Waitrose or even Harrods. They do contain better presents and certainly look the business.

As I tend to spend Christmas with friends I don't buy Christmas crackers myself, unless specifically asked to buy extra and I also tend to go the expensive route choosing M&S.

I do believe you get what you pay for

Re: Christmas crackers

TallTrees — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 13:02:20 GMT

Hi @EmilieT

As kiddies we used to enjoy the Christmas Cracker Tradition.

I don't know whether there was such a thing as cheap or expensive ones but

the ones we had were "fine" for us. They also look very pretty on the table.

It is a dilemma if you are entertaining nowadays whether to put them out

at all ~ because ~ fun has changed into a "posh" or "rubbish"

cracker ~ sad ~ I don't use them now because they are mostly all rubbish.

Harrods are in on it of course.

To encourage the Supermarkets (who track your every purchase)

to put different prices "affordable or unaffordable" on their Cracker Prices by trying to purchase the best ones ~ which were "just for fun" is not in the spirit of Christmas and it is not good in my opinion.

However! before you think I may be a miserable person ~ I join in and enjoy making my Christmas Cakes, put up a small tree, enjoy the occasion in my way (as I wish) and if wanted Crackers I would make my own!

Re: Christmas crackers

Cleoriff — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 13:48:42 GMT

@TallTrees

I don't think any one be criticised for the crackers they like on their table. Surely that's up to the individual?

I have neither the time nor talent to make my own as you infer you do, so I settle for what we as a family, like now.

I have been through times when I couldn't afford all the nice things I now prefer.

I had 20 years of putting cheap crackers on the table.

You also mention the spirit of Christmas? I think the true meaning of that was lost many years ago.

The thread is about Christmas crackers. I was simply telling people what I prefer...

Re: Christmas crackers

jonsie — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:08:17 GMT

Pulled a few Chrackers in days gone by....

Re: Christmas crackers

Cleoriff — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:18:23 GMT

@jonsie wrote:
Pulled a few Chrackers in days gone by....

I know @jonsie Your life was an open book....

Re: Christmas crackers

TallTrees — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:18:47 GMT

Hi @Cleoriff

My post was "just my opinion" not personal in any way and certainly not

aimed at anyone at all.

I don't think I would make them ~ it was a bit of a joke

I watched an old "The Good Life" Christmas 1977 it was so funny ~ Margo went next

door for a very very simple Christmas and seemed to enjoy it more! ~ Barbara had made

her Christmas Crackers out of news paper and they had to say "crack".

Re: Christmas crackers

Cleoriff — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:25:05 GMT

@TallTrees wrote:
Hi @Cleoriff

My post was "just my opinion" not personal in any way and certainly not
aimed at anyone at all.
I don't think I would make them ~ it was a bit of a joke
I watched an old "The Good Life" Christmas 1977 it was so funny ~ Margo went next
door for a very very simple Christmas and seemed to enjoy it more! ~ Barbara had made
her Christmas Crackers out of news paper and they had to say "crack".

No problem @TallTrees

It just so happens that your post followed mine, so I had to express 'my thoughts' on the issue

I've seen that episode of The Good Life. It was amusing. If I remeber she also got very drunk

PS The nearest I came to making a Christmas Cracker was when wrapping wine as gifts (before bottle bags were about)...

Re: Christmas crackers

Glory1 — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:27:19 GMT

Well said @Cleoriff. Like everything else people buy, you buy the crackers you can afford or the ones you like. Sometimes the two coincide.

I think the true meaning of Christmas was lost long ago. Nowadays it's all about giving and receiving presents, and a good Christmas dinner with family and/or friends. What's wrong with that?

What should also be borne in mind @TallTrees is that not everyone who 'celebrates' Christmas is Christian so the religious aspect doesn't apply.

As @Cleoriff has also pointed out not everyone is 'talented' enough to make their own crackers nor has the time even if they are.

We all celebrate in different ways, nothing wrong with that at all. As long as your day is enjoyable, whether your crackers are homemade or shop bought is irrelevant in the scheme of things.

Re: Christmas crackers

TallTrees — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:34:48 GMT

Excellent sentiments @Glory1

Re: Christmas crackers

jonsie — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:42:40 GMT

I remember the days when mothers used to work from home making crackers. My aunt was one of them but the money you made was very very poor. These crackers were then sold in shops and stores at vast profits. Families had to resort to this sort of 'piece' work years ago. Maybe it still goes on, I'm not sure.

Re: Christmas crackers

TallTrees — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:45:02 GMT

Never thought of who makes these @jonsie

I should think more. TallTrees

Re: Christmas crackers

davethorp — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 16:47:58 GMT

Well M&S had some decent crackers half price when I picked up my turkey so grabbed them. Looking at the back of them there’s some decent gifts in there rather than the usual novelty combs

Re: Christmas crackers

TallTrees — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 16:59:07 GMT

@davethorp wrote:
Well M&S had some decent crackers half price when I picked up my turkey so grabbed them. Looking at the back of them there’s some decent gifts in there rather than the usual novelty combs

Got to say very well done! Enjoy at your pretty Christmas Table ~

Re: Christmas crackers

pgn — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 22:40:38 GMT

It can be quite challenging explaining the concept of Christmas Crackers to those who know nothing of them - some American contacts thought I was pulling their leg...

Here, so long as it goes bang, has a crown and motto and joke, all is good - but that red cellophane-film fish that tells you your mood has to be the sought-after item for our 9-yr old!