Among the things largely lacking in America at Christmas is the Christmas cracker
a small cardboard tube covered in a brightly coloured twist of paper. When the cracker is 'pulled' by two people, each holding one end of the twisted paper, the friction creates a small explosive 'pop' produced by a narrow strip of chemically impregnated paper. The cardboard tube tumbles a bright paper hat, a small gift, a balloon and a motto or joke.Joy of joys, we found some at Williams Sonoma today. They're not available online from Williams Sonoma, but the English Tea Store appears to be the place to get reasonably priced ones in America. Posted by robe0419 at December 21, 2004 12:24 PM | TrackBack
No Christmas crackers!
You mean, hats that are too small for all adults with any hair, 'crackers' that never crack, small plastic objects whose function is frequently a matter for extensive debate... and 'jokes'.
Q: Where do you go dancing in California?
A: San Fran-dis-co.
I swear to God that's a real one from our departmental party the other week. Look how it's been burned on my memory.
But, after all, there'd be a riot if we didn't have them. It's Tradition! And it is fun in a strange grotesque way...
Posted by: Sharon at December 21, 2004 01:28 PM