1. A chap called Tom Smith invented the Christmas cracker in 1847.
2. Christmas crackers resemble oversized sweeties (think of a large, fancy sweet-wrapper) – why? … Because Tom Smith was a confectioner based in London. As his regular business declined, Smith came up with the idea of a Christmas cracker to promote his business.
3. A crackle from a fire was the inspiration for the banger element of the Christmas cracker.
4. Cracker became the generic name as competition increased – although it was initially marketed as a Cosaque.
5. Aussies call Christmas crackers “bon bons” after the original bob-bon or sweet.
6. Contents of a Christmas cracker like hats, gifts, mottos or jokes came about through competitors looking to differentiate their versions of a cracker.
7. The world’s largest Christmas cracker was pulled on 20th December 2001 by 44 children and the Saracens Rugby Team. It took 4 days to build and was 207 feet long and 4 m in diameter.
8. Harry Potter’s wizard world also have crackers – except theirs open with a large explosion and come with some unusual contents – how about a “grow-your-own-warts Kit” – sounds great!
9. Although most Christmas crackers have relatively inexpensive gifts inside, the Royal Family are understood to customise theirs with expensive and individual gifts.
10. Christmas crackers were given as gifts for returning war heroes during WWI.

You can make your own Christmas crackers. All you need is: wrapping paper, stiffener ends, fortunes, jokes or riddles, cracker snaps, paper hats, small gifts or novelty items, cracker roller, cardboard tubes, low temperature glue gun, scissors and curling ribbon.

Wow, what a palaver …A more simple option would be to get Novelties Galore to supply some of their fantastic Christmas crackers, relax and enjoy the festive period.

1. How do snowmen get around?
   They ride an icicle
2. How do monkeys make toast?
   Stick some bread under the gorilla!
3. Where do snowmen go to dance?
   Snowballs!
4. Why did the golfer wear an extra pair of trousers?
   In case he got a hole in one
5. Why was the Egyptian boy confused?
   Because his daddy was a mummy
6. What's Tarzan's favourite Christmas song?
   Jungle Bells!
7. Did Rudolph go to a regular school?
   No, he was "elf"-taught!
8. What did the big cracker say to the little cracker?
   My pop is bigger than yours!
9. What's an ig?
   An eskimo's home without a loo!
10. What’s happens if you eat the Christmas decorations?
    You get tinsel-itus!