Christmas crackers are a traditional festive favorite in Ireland. They're usually laid on the dinner table at each place setting before the Christmas Day feast.
Pulling the crackers and winning novelties and Christmas paper crowns is all part of the silly fun.
To help spread some festive cheer this year, Irish American Mom is sponsoring a giveaway for some Christmas crackers for you to continue this Irish festive tradition in your home.
But before I share details of the prize and how to enter the giveaway, let's first explore the history of the Christmas cracker.
Table of Contents
Christmas Cracker History
Christmas crackers were first made sometime between 1845 and 1850. Their creator was a London based sweet maker or confectioner whose name was Tom Smith. His festive creation was inspired by French almond sweets which were wrapped in a small piece of paper with a motto or riddle.
Smith tried to replicate this idea in England but the riddle wrapped sweets were not a success.
Legend has it that Smith was inspired by his crackling fire, to include his riddles in tubular wrappers that would crack when pulled apart. And so, the Christmas cracker was born. You can read more about the history of these Victorian creations in a previous festive post.
Although originally created in England, the Christmas cracker was widely adopted in Ireland as a Christmas tradition, that continues to this very day.
DIY At Home Christmas Cracker Fun For Children
Christmas crackers can be fun to create at home.
To celebrate these festive Christmas Day novelties, I published a craft post featuring coloring templates for children to decorate their very own mini Christmas crackers.
You can check out all the designs here, and access a free printable for little ones to enjoy.
I hope you have fun shading and designing your very own Christmas cracker motifs.
The Prize and Giveaway
One lucky reader will win two boxes of Christmas Crackers (2 x 12 count), similar to the ones shown below.
The crackers will be in festive colors, but there's no guarantee the exact design shown here will be available at the time this giveaway is finished. I'll do my very best to deliver equally appealing designs to the lucky winner.
These boxes of family crackers are available through Food Ireland.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Saturday, December 12th, 2020.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have memories of Christmas crackers, or other festive memories from Ireland or America.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 12th, 2020 at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
And thank you to all who join in the fun and support this giveaway.
Please share this post with any friends or family who might enjoy a few Christmas crackers this year.
Update - Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Mary Ann
I’ll send Mary Ann an email to arrange mailing of her prize. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment.
Thank you all for supporting our Irish American community.
Stay tuned for more stories and giveaways over the coming weeks and months.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
If you enjoy crafts, especially festive projects, you might like to check out these other tutorials.
Tissue Paper Christmas Tree Holiday Card
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
An Irish Christmas Blessing Free Printable
Irish Book Recommendations For Christmas 2020
- Sewing Spool Christmas Tree Ornament Craft
- Tissue Paper Christmas Tree Cone Craft
- Cardboard Tube Paper Plate Christmas Wreath
- Stirrings by Máire Malone - An Irish Poem for Christmas
- Irish Christmas Traditions
- Brighten Your Christmas With DIY Homemade Candles
- Fill Your Life With Merry DIY Santas
- Fifteen Sparkly Fun DIY Glitter Ornaments for Christmas
Pat OConnor
What a great idea. I've already forwarded the designs to my kids and suggested the grandkids can start making them as part of their at home school art projects!
Thanks "Mom"!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Pat - Thanks for forwarding my Christmas cracker craft to your kids. I hope they find them helpful. And thanks for stopping by to check out this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
kathy kopchinski
Thank you so much Mairead ..... I treasure learning and knowing all things Irish..... Each year, I feel I become a wee bit more like my relatives from the Emerald Isle!
You help us so much.... and you bring Ireland to me in an amazing REAL way, not like a tourist view..... How did you ever leave.... I am certain if I ever get there, I may never come back! Kathleen Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathleen Mary - Thank you for your kind words about my blog. I'm so happy you enjoy my ramblings and that help you feel connected to Ireland. Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
These scream Christmas to me! My grandparents put them on the table yearly.
Happy Christmas 🎄
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - Lovely to hear your grandparents continued the tradition of Christmas crackers on the dinner table. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
I would love to get these crackers. We have a tradition of having them every Christmas!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Best of luck in our little draw. Lovely to hear you too have a tradition of Christmas crackers every year. My kids love them.
All the best,
Mairéad
ML
I love this. We have made our own in the past to celebrate a family member's December birthday, but I didn't know I could purchase strips that make them actually crackle until this year. What fun.
Irish American Mom
Thanks for stopping by to support this little giveaway. Lovely to hear you too have made Christmas crackers for the festive season.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brian Casey
I LOVE the cracker tradition! I loved it when we lived in Ireland, and I wish it were more widespread here in the States!
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - I'm glad to hear you discovered the Christmas cracker tradition during your time in Ireland. It's a very popular tradition throughout the British Isles. I hope all goes well for you after returning to the US.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Dianna
I have never had a Christmas cracker. Perhaps, this will be the year!
Irish American Mom
Hi Dianna - Christmas crackers are a bit of Christmas fun in Ireland. They make a snapping sound when two people pull them apart. They break at one of the necks, and whoever is holding the large tubular piece wins the contents. They hold party hats and what my mom would call "tricky trackies."
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue R
Great tradition!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - Thanks for stopping by to check out this week's giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jill mcdonald
Would love to win these beautiful crackers. What a wonderful addition to my holiday table!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jill - Laying Christmas crackers on the dinner table instantly makes it feel festive. I love this old tradition.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kyle Buckley
I am loving connecting with my Irish heritage with your site! It makes me feel connected to my grandmother and her stories! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kyle - Thanks for checking out my recipes and ramblings. It's lovely to know it kindles warm memories of your grandmother. Thanks for stopping by to support our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary McAteer
We love Christmas Crackers. They are a favorite in our family. My husband grew up with them in Donegal and passed the tradition on to our kids.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - My husband is also from Donegal and Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a few crackers on the dinner table. My kids insist I buy them every year. It definitely is an Irish thing, and like your husband, we love to keep these old traditions alive.
All the best,
Mairéad
veronica vatter
I remember making these out of toilet paper tubes as a kid. I would just shove whatever would fit in there! 🤣. Lead to some interesting Christmas crackers for my family 😂
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - Sounds like you created some Christmas surprises with your crackers. Lovely to know this little giveaway post brings back fond memories for you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mick
Just found the blog and loving it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mick - Welcome to this little Irish American corner of the internet. I'm delighted you found my website. Thanks for checking out this giveaway and for joining in.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sue
Christmas crackers to possibly win and make too. Thanks for providing the giveaway!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - Thank you for stopping by to check out this week's updates, and for supporting our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
Hello Mairead,
Happy Sunday to you. These are so cute and a great Irish tradition for sure.
Thanks for making my Sunday so special with your blog in my inbox.
Hugs to you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - I'm sending virtual hugs right back to you. It's lovely to hear you appreciate my weekly email updates. Thanks for all your support and kind words.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen B O'Brien
I love crackers! They can really liven up a dinner. Even the shyest person will come out of their shell with all the silly prizes, jokes and games.
I love the idea of making your own. You can really have fun customizing the treats !
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - Crackers really are a great way of breaking the ice at dinner time. The jokes are always corny, but we laugh nonetheless. My kids have great fun taking turns reading their jokes, and Christmas dinner wouldn't be the same if everyone wasn't wearing a tissue paper crown. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Rose Kent
Nollaig Shona, Mairéad!
Irish American Mom
Nollaig mhaith chugat freisin, a Róisín.
Happy Christmas to you too, Rose.
All the best,
Mairéad
JAYNE GAUTREAU
Brings back so many fun memories. We used to make them! The little toy was always fun! And those paper hats are the best!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jayne - There's nothing like a silly hat to get people into the festive spirit.
Thanks for checking out this giveaway. Lovely to hear you too have fun memories of Christmas crackers.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mar
Love all the Christmas crafts!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mar - Lovely to hear you like my Christmas crafts. This year I've grown very nostalgic and am entertaining myself and my kids with some vintage crafts.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ann
Didn’t know it was an Irish tradition. We have had “ The cracker”since I was a child in my family And have carried the tradition to my grandchildren. What a surprise it was an Irish thing because I’m Italian. So happy it is worldwide custom
Irish American Mom
Hi Ann - I didn't realize that this is also an Italian tradition. Christmas crackers were an English creation, but they were adopted in Ireland and are very popular to this very day. Thanks for joining our conversation about festive crackers.
All the best,
Mairéad
Anita Carol Gambrell
I enjoy reading your ramblings! I hope t win one day. I follow through email and read up every post! Thank you for the chances and learnings!
Irish American Mom
Hi Anita - Best of luck in this and all our giveaways. The winner is chosen completely randomly so hopefully someday your name will pop out of the virtual hat. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings via email.
All the best,
Mairéad
Anita Carol Gambrell
Thank you!💜
Irish American Mom
You're welcome.
Laura Harrison
I would love to win the crackers.
Irish American Mom
Hi Laura - Best of luck in our little giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Jane C Petz
My mother didn't pass down any Irish traditions like these crackers because her mom's Irish parents died when she was a child in Chicago, IL. We attended Catholic Mass and opened gifts with the family on Christmas Eve and Santa brought gifts on Christmas Day. No special food traditions.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jane - Many traditions were lost because of tragedies like in your family's case. It's lovely to know that you're interested in learning about these traditions, and thank you for stopping by to check out my ramblings about our shared cultural heritage.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeff
Mairéad,
Thank you very much for sharing this! The Irish have some very special traditions for Christmas and the rest of the year!
Merry Christmas!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - Thanks for being such a loyal reader. I really appreciate all your support.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
Years ago, we made these for our Christmas table. We found the “cracker snap” strips somewhere(Amazon?) but I can’t remember where. They were fun and I’d love to win these and renew the memory! Thanks for the opportunity to win these!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - It's lovely to hear that you made your own crackers before, and great that you found the cracker snaps to make that popping sound, that makes crackers so much fun. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
John Ongena
Something so simple and yet so important to so many. Thank you for sharing.
John
Irish American Mom
Hi John - Christmas isn't Christmas without a cracker for many of us. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brian g.
Wow, this is the first time I am hearing about this Irish tradition, sounds like a lot of fun! I am enjoying your blog and enjoying all of the Irish lessons I have missed out on over the years. What a great learning experience. Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - I'm delighted you found my blog and are finding it helpful as you explore your Irish heritage. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sandi
What a fun giveaway! We always have Christmas crackers and I never knew they were popular in Ireland! Thanks for a chance to win!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandi - Lovely to hear you too celebrate Christmas with some Christmas crackers. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kathleen G Drelling
Oh, My family would really enjoy these lovely crackers! We try to do them every year!
Slainte!
Kathleen Gearoid
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathleen - Thanks for stopping by to check out this giveaway. Glad to hear you too enjoy some Christmas crackers over the holidays.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cassie Maher
Will definitely check out all your gift ideas and Christmas crafts! Thank you so much for sharing! I would love to know what a traditional Irish Christmas supper included too!
-Cassie
Irish American Mom
Hi Cassie - Thanks for letting me know you'd like to learn about traditional Christmas menus in Ireland. I'll try to put a post together on this topic in the next week or two. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Karen
Love your posts! These crackers look like great fun!
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Beth
The Christmas Blessing would be a great label on one of my quilts!
Thanks for all the great ideas! 🍀🍀🍀
Irish American Mom
Hi Beth - I'm so glad you like the Christmas blessings. Please feel free to use any of these designs for your quilts. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sheri
Just shared one of your Christmas blessings with hospice client who is from Ireland she was thrilled! Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheri - That's so wonderful. I'm so happy to hear you were able to use one of my Irish blessing printables to bring a little joy and peace to this Irish lady. So glad she liked it. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Monica Kelliher
Hi Mairead,
What a brilliant idea for a giveaway!
We just love Christmas crackers, and it has become traditional every year for us. We actually have started gifting them also for Christmas.
Thanks a million.
Irish American Mom
Hi Monica - What a great idea to give Christmas crackers as gifts. They're a little bit of fun and a great way to get everyone talking and interacting over dinner.
All the best,
Mairéad
Christine Clark
"By Cracky" what a swell tradition! FUN!
Irish American Mom
Hi Christine - Thanks for checking out this fun Irish Christmas tradition.
All the best,
Mairéad
Angela Dougherty-Way
Oh love the idea of art project for the kids at home! Yes, maybe this will be the year we have the extra time to take advantage of this long history fun event. Thank you for sharing!
Irish American Mom
Hi Angela - Thanks for checking out my ramblings and art printables. I've decided to include more fun learning resources for children to help encourage readers to share their Irish heritage with little ones.
Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Mairéad
Jeanne Cleary
Mairéad -
Thank you so much for sharing these traditions! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeanny - I hope you and yours have a lovely holiday season too.
Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Mairéad
Colleen Parenteau
Thanks for sharing the Christmas cracker craft, -DIY and the giveaway.
It may be only my husband and I for Christmas, but thought my daughter
maty enjoy these if I win. You are so thoughtful to share all these Irish
traditions with us, always look forward to your blog. I don't have a printer
or it may be fun to make some crackers of our own. So fun for kids too.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - Thanks for following my ramblings and for your kind words about my blog. I truly appreciate your support. Sorry to hear your Christmas may be so different this year, and that you and your husband will celebrate in the safety of your own home. I think many of us will have a far more curtailed Christmas than usual, but if we help keep others safe, then that's our Christmas blessing for sure. Thanks for stopping by,
All the best,
Mairéad
Janine
Thank you for all the wonderful Christmas ideas you had in this blog. My granddaughter isn't old enough yet to make some of them, but I am filing them away. We love crackers! I have some great pictures of my family wearing their crowns!
Irish American Mom
Hi Janine - Family Christmas photographs as we all sport our festive crowns are very special and create treasured memories. Lovely to hear your family has some of these keepsakes from Christmas past too.
Thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marion
Thank You for this giveaway. Crackers are so much fun. Wishing you and yours a Blessed and Merry Christmas.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Many happy returns, Marion. I hope you and yours have a blessed holiday season.
Stay safe and well,
Mairéad
Joan
What a great prize to win. Crackers are a good source of fun for every one.
Blessed Christmas To All.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - Thanks for reading my Christmas ramblings, and for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathleen Giles
Wow, Christmas Crackers, reminds me of my childhood. Lovely!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathleen - I always purchase Christmas crackers each year to bring back lovely childhood memories of Christmas past. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Marilyn
I love Crackers. We had a lot of crackers at our birthday parties. it is exciting to see the prizes that you can get. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas. God Bless.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - I hope you too have a lovely Christmas. Blessings to you too.
Mairéad
JUDITH L JAMISON
I'd never heard of the Christmas Cracker. What a nice idea. Great to learn of different traditions/recipes from Irish American Mom!
Irish American Mom
Hi Judith - I'm so glad this post introduced to you an Irish Christmas tradition. Thanks for checking out my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deirdre
Having been born in Ireland, I love everything Irish. Delicious crackers!
Merry Christmas 🎄
Irish American Mom
Have a lovely Christmas, Deirdre. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad