Advent Fact

The Christmas cracker was invented in 1847 by Thomas J. Smith, a sweet maker who was attempting to boost the poor sales of his 'bon bon' sweets.

After the idea of putting mottos in the wrappers of his sweets failed to catch on, Smith devised the cracker which would contain a motto, a paper hat and one of his own sweets. The sweet maker got the idea for the 'crack' that the cracker would make when pulled from the crackle of his own log fire. The sweet was, of course, very soon replaced by a small gift.