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Tom Smith Christmas Crackers. Huge Selection of Luxury and Traditional Christmas Crackers. Christmas Crackers from the Tom Smith Collection.

Traditional Christmas Crackers

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Specialty Christmas Crackers

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How the Cracker Was Invented

Tom Smith Christmas Crackers
It was the 'crackling' sound a log makes when throwing it onto a fire that gave Tom Smith the inspiration for the 'crackle' or 'pop' sound Crackers are known for. A ' crackle' would add the necessary excitement and spark to his novelty 'bon bon'. Now, it was simply a matter of experimentation to find a compound which gave a satisfactory bang without going too far. The size of the 'bon bon' would also need to increase significantly to accommodate the 'crackling' mechanism but the shape remained the same - and the motto was still included. Eventually, Tom perfected his chemical explosion to create a 'pop' caused by friction when the wrapping was broken. This became the snap and the Cracker as we know it was born.

The trade jumped at Tom Smith's latest novelty and he was snowed under with orders. Very quickly he began to refine his product - he dropped both the sweet and the 'bon bon' name, calling his new crackers 'Cosaques'. He kept the motto and added a small surprise gift. Delighted at his overnight success, Tom Smith decided to explore the export market and took his cracker abroad. At this time, only one design of cracker was being made and to his horror, an Eastern manufacturer seized his idea, copied it, and delivered a consignment of crackers in Britain before Christmas.

Tom Smith Christmas Crackers

The absolute largest selection of Luxury and Traditional Christmas Crackers in the United States

We are proud to make available to our American customers, the exclusive line of Tom Smith crackers. Our crackers originate in the Tom Smith Cracker factory and are shipped to you directly from our USA distribution center in North Carolina. You won't find a larger selection or larger inventory of Tom Smith Christmas Crackers anywhere in the United States. We have everything you need to maintain your Christmas tradition!

What are Christmas Crackers?

In 1847, almost by accident, Tom Smith invented the cracker. it was a simple idea which became an integral part of British celebration and tradition which still continues today, 150 years on. In its simplest form, a cracker is a small cardboard tube covered in a brightly colored twist of paper. When the cracker is pulled by two people, each holding one end of the twisted paper covered tube, the friction creates a small explosive 'pop'. This 'pop' is produced by a narrow strip of chemically impregnated paper. The cracker tears apart and out of the cardboard tube tumbles a bright paper hat, a small gift, a balloon and a motto or joke. It is a running joke that all the jokes and mottos in crackers are unfunny and unmemorable. Similarly, in most standard commercial products, the "gift" is equally awful, although wealthier individuals—notably, the royal family—may use custom crackers with more expensive rewards.

In addition to Christmas Crackers, "Crackers" are used as decorative party favors to celebrate a variety of other special occasions and festive events. The pulling of crackers and donning of the party hats creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere certain to get any party function off the ground. Crackers provide a colorful and exciting start to any celebration, and also present each guest with a gift by which to remember the days events. At Christmas, crackers make great tree ornaments, stocking stuffers, and welcoming gifts for visiting friends and relatives. They can also be used as invitations, promotional gifts, an advertising medium, shower and wedding favors, and individualized gifts for special occasions such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

This is the remarkable story of the Cracker - an unique insight into one of Britain's most enduring traditions which continues to bring pleasure to all ages and generations, from children to grandparents.