The Gift Wrap Company Tom Smith Christmas Crackers - HO HO Santa Holiday Crackers (Pack of 12)
Festive Christmas Crackers from Gift Wrap Company feature exclusive designs that complement traditional, whimsical and playful celebrating styles. It was on a trip to Paris in 1840 that an adventurous and forward-thinking man named Tom Smith discovered a 'bon bon' sugared almond wrapped in a twist of tissue paper. Seven years later, this simple idea evolved into the beloved Christmas Cracker. By placing a small love motto in the tissue paper he created enormous interest in this product, especially at Christmas. It was during a search for inspiration to achieve even greater sales that he casually threw a log on the fire. The crackle sound, made by the burning log, gave Tom the idea that would eventually lead to the crackers we know and love today. After a great deal of hard work and experimentation he came up with a cracking mechanism that created a 'pop' as the "bon bon" wrapping was broken. This eventually became the snap and the cracker was born. Over the next few years Tom's idea evolved and grew and he moved from his original premises in Clerkenwell, East London, to Finsbury Square, in the City. His sons, Tom, Walter and Henry took over the business after he passed away and later a drinking fountain was erected in Finsbury Square, by Walter, in memory of his mother and to commemorate the life of the man who invented the Christmas Cracker. It was Walter who introduced the paper hats and he toured the world to find new and unusual ideas for the gifts. The company was very aware of current affairs and crackers were created for the Suffragettes, War Heroes, Charlie Chaplin, The Coronation and many other great occasions. Exclusive crackers were also made for the British Royal Family and still are to this very day. Crackers measure 12.5" and add a POP of surprise to your holiday.