Many may have been popping them incorrectly all along
As the festive season is in full swing, millions are set to partake in the tradition of Christmas crackers during their holiday feasts. But etiquette expert Liz Brewer has revealed that many may have been popping them incorrectly all along.
In her advice, shared on social media, Liz cautions: “When pulling your cracker, don’t lean over other guests and mind your cracker doesn’t go in the food. You mustn’t be sad should you not win the prize within the cracker.
“Always congratulate the victor and never ever request to keep their toy, especially if it’s a child. Do not wear your paper crown once you’ve left the table, it is very gauche to do so. Do not be too aggressive when pulling your cracker as this can be dangerous, especially when your competitor is an older family member.”
She also addressed the correct timing, indicating that the opening of Christmas crackers is often mistimed: “You must always open your cracker at the end of your main course, before the Christmas pudding or at the end of your meal.”
Brewer’s insights on proper cracker protocol have stirred curiosity on TikTok, where user Dan Thomas (@danthomasuk) enlightened his followers about the intricacies hidden within these celebratory novelties.
In the video, he detailed how Christmas crackers are a staple of British tradition on December 25. He noted that each cracker contains a joke and a hat, which is traditionally worn at the dinner table.
The clip was shared in response to numerous comments from Americans who don’t typically open a cracker on Christmas Day. Crackers were invented in the 19th century by Tom Smith, a baker who set up shop in Clerkenwell in the 1840s.
According to the V&A museum, Smith was inspired by French bon bons during a trip to Paris. Intrigued by the idea of sweets wrapped in tissue paper, he decided to put his own spin on it.
Smith’s unique take on the wrapped treats was to include a motto inside the packaging, akin to a fortune cookie. This trend has remained popular to this day.
