Christmas crackers

[EmilieT]

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!

[davethorp]

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

[Anonymous]

Another waste of the world's resources..

[Cleoriff]

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

[Glory1]

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 

[TallTrees]

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!  

[Cleoriff]

@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...

[jonsie]

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

[Cleoriff]

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@jonsie wrote:

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

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

[TallTrees]

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".