When design editor Ann Marie Favot was asked what holiday decoration she'd never do without, her answer was prompt: “Christmas crackers,” she declared. “In my family they're always handmade, and they're always special.” When we saw the crackers Ann Marie has created in years past, the idea for this story took shape. Here, she shows us how to create personalized crackers for everyone at your table
Christmas crackers 101
Along with tales by Dickens, decorated trees and Boxing Day celebrations, Christmas crackers were popularized during Victorian times. German Prince Albert's emphasis on family togetherness during the holidays and ‘quality time' spent with the royal brood soon extended from the palace to influence the growing middle classes, and so many of our traditional Christmas rituals were born.
In 1847, Tom Smith, a London confectioner, took the wrapped French bonbon candy to new heights. Adding a few words of wisdom for the coming year and a snapper that recalled the noise of a log thrown onto a fire, Smith created the original snap, crackle and pop.
Holiday tips
Include a tiny horoscope for each family member, a heartfelt thanks for important gestures over the past year or a little love note for that extra-special someone.
0 Comment