Introduction
Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada wouldn't be Christmas without pulling crackers, a party favor that pops. Make a chain: Grab your cracker with one hand and your neighbor's with the other, and pull! If you win, you get a little toy and a crown to wear during dinner.
Christmas crackers "crack" because they have a paper strip inside, called a snap, that's coated with silver fulminate — an explosive most commonly used in children's toys (like Bang Snaps or Pop Its) due to its high reactivity. But don't worry; there's low danger when it's used in small amounts.
Note: The Transportation Security Administration does not allow Christmas crackers on planes, and many airlines around the world restrict them in various ways. As with any firework, the Poison Control Center says these can be toxic if ingested, depending on the amount. Use care around pets and small children.
Christmas crackers aren't hard to make but they take a little finesse. If you're a crafty person, this project will be no sweat. For me, it took trial and error. And be aware: The cracker snaps are not easy to find. You can't just pop down to your local craft store and buy them, so plan ahead and purchase them online.
Watch How To Make Your Own Christmas Cracker
Materials Required
- Cardstock
- Cracker snaps
- Curling ribbon
- Double-sided tape
- Paper crown (see how-to in final slide)
- Paper tubes (purchase at craft stores) or toilet paper rolls approximately 2-in. by 4-1/2 in. long
- Small treats toys or riddles
- Stickers or other decorations
- Wrapping Paper
Ally Childress for family handyman