CHRISTMAS POPPERS

Christmas poppers originated in England in the mid 1800's and is still an integral part of the Christmas celebration there today.  Although it is not as popular a tradition in the U.S., it surely is in my sister's home.  For them,  Christmas dinner starts off with a bang (literally!) as these fun little creations often have snap crackers in them to create a pop gun type noise.

Traditionally each person at the table crosses their arms and instead of holding hands with the person on either side of them, they each hold one end of the popper.  On the count of three everyone pulls the cracker toward themselves, similarly to pulling a wishbone, ripping them open. Candy, trinkets, jokes and a crown fit for a king comes spilling out. 

Being that I love a good DIY project, I decided to make these this year for my own Christmas dinner, personalizing them for each member of my family.  It's fun activities like this that create memories and traditions for generations to come.  Hope you enjoy!!

                                                              MATERIALS

                                                      *Wrapping/Tissue Paper
                                                                   Ribbon
                                                            Cardboard Tube
                                                         Tape (Double sided)
                                                        Ruler/Measuring Tape
                                                              Pencil/Marker
                                                                  Scissors
                                                          **Popper/Snapper
                                               **Candy (Individually wrapped)
                                    **Toys/Trinkets (Miniature in size to fit in tube)
                                         **Computer Paper (1) (For riddles/jokes)

*Tissue or wrapping paper can be used to make the crown that is inserted inside the cracker.  Wrapping paper is for wrapping the outside of the popper.  I used two different wrapping papers to make my cracker - one for the crown, the other for wrapping the popper.

**These items are what traditionally fill the inside of the tube.  But, since you are making them, you can decide what you would like to include so please consider these items optional suggestions.

                                                          INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1:  Cut cardboard tube into 3 pieces (1 piece- 4 1/2" long, 2 pieces - 2 1/2" long).
I used a cardboard tube from wrapping paper because it was sturdier than a paper towel cardboard tube.  

I could not find a popper/snapper locally so have not included a how-to photo for it.  It isn't necessary to include a popper/snapper since it is for noise value only (pop gun sound) and may actually not be an asset in a household with a sleeping baby or pet with hearing sensitivity.  But, if you do decide to include it, this would be the step where you would attach it to the inside of the 4 1/2 inch tube with tape.  I've included a link so you can see a picture of a popper.  I have never purchased anything from this company so I have no firsthand experience with them as a customer.  But, they are one of the few places you can buy poppers in America.  Please click below if you would like to read more about poppers...

Popper for Christmas Cracker 

 

                                    Popper - Courtesy of OldeEnglishCracker.com

To include a popper in your Christmas popper you would insert it into the 4 1/2" tube.  Both ends of the popper/snapper should extend equally beyond both ends of the  4 1/2" tube.  Once it is extending out of the tube equally, secure the popper on the inside of the tube with tape.  Place the 2 1/2" tubes on either end of the 4 1/2" tube (inserting the popper/snapper in each 2 1/2" tube but not attaching the popper/snapper to the tubes). The 2 1/2" tubes are used to keep the Christmas popper formed correctly.  Once the popper is completed the 2 1/2" tubes are removed and the extended portion of the popper will be hidden by pretty wrapping paper.

STEP 2:  To wrap tube cut a piece of wrapping paper 8"x13".  Place the tubes on the underneath  side of the wrapping paper leaving a slight separation between each tube.  Roll wrapping paper around tubes.

STEP 3:  Secure wrapping paper on the underneath side of the wrapping paper with double sided tape so that tape is not showing on the outside of the wrapping paper.

STEP 4:  Gently pull one of the 2 1/2" tubes to the edge of the wrapping paper.

STEP 5:  After you have moved the one 2 1/2" tube to the edge, scrunch the wrapping paper as closely as possible to the 4 1/2" tube.

STEP 6:  Tie the scrunched paper with ribbon.  Completely remove the 2 1/2" cardboard tube as it is no longer needed.  It can be reused so save it if you are making more.

You are now ready to fill the tube with whatever fun things your family and friends enjoy!
They are traditionally filled with candy, toys/trinkets, riddles/jokes, a gold crown and a popper/snapper (makes a loud noise).   But, you pick and choose. 

                                                                  CANDY

                                                         Individually wrapped

                                                          TOYS/TRINKETS

                        Being homemade (vs. store bought) you can customize treats.

                                                            JOKES/RIDDLES 

       Print or write jokes/riddles. I found these on the internet - google Christmas Jokes.  
                                                                   
                                                                 CROWN

 Cut a strip of wrapping or tissue paper 4"x24".  Cut V-shaped notches the length of one side of the paper. Fold until it is small enough to fit into tube.

                                             
STEP 7:  Fill the open end of the tube with your choice of goodies.

STEP 8:  Repeat Steps 4-6 for other side of cracker, gently pulling out 2 1/2" tube to edge of wrapping paper, scrunching wrapping paper closely to 4 1/2" tube, securing with ribbon and then removing 2 1/2" tube.

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

Want more festive ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

PREPARING THE MANGER WITH GOOD DEEDS

This is a sweet tradition I started with my children when they were very young.  We made a manger out of popsicle sticks (very economical and easy).  Starting at the beginning of  December every time one of them would do a good deed (act of kindness, chore, thoughtfulness) I would recognize it by asking them to place a piece of straw in the manger in order to prepare it for Baby Jesus. The goal was to have the manger filled with straw by Christmas Day.  Come Christmas morning, they would then place Jesus in the manger resting symbolically on all their good deeds. 

                                                               MATERIALS

                                                          Popsicle Sticks (12)
                                                  * Non-toxic Glue or Glue Gun
                                                  ** Hay (Sandwich baggie full)
                                                  *** Miniature plastic baby doll
                                            Fabric (little piece to wrap baby doll in)

* This is a fun project to make with children when using non-toxic glue.  I have burned myself enough times that I would NOT recommend a child use a glue gun even with adult supervision.

** I don't buy hay.  I go to a Pumpkin Stand in the fall and ask if I can have a handful of hay that has gotten loose and scattered on the ground.

*** The baby doll pictured is part of a nativity I already have.  But, I have also bought miniature plastic baby dolls at party stores in the Baby Shower aisle.    

DIRECTIONS FOR MANGER:

STEP 1:  Glue (non-toxic glue dries invisible whereas glue gun looks slightly messy in between the sticks) 4 popsicle sticks together lengthwise.  Then glue a second set of 4 popsicle sticks together lengthwise.

STEP 2:  Glue 2 popsicle sticks together in the shape of an "X:.  Then glue a second set of 2 popsicle sticks together in the shape of an "X".

STEP 3:  Stand one of  the "X" shaped popsicle sticks up and glue one side of the top of the "X" on the inside as pictured. (Glue gun sets faster than non-toxic glue and with non-toxic glue you have to find a way to keep the sticks propped up until it sets.  I have made them both ways and Step 3 is the only step where a glue gun is much more convenient as long as you aren't in a big hurry for the manger to dry.)

STEP 4:  Then press one of the sets of 4 popsicle sticks t:o the glued inside of the "X", making sure the glue has dried before releasing pressure.

STEP 5:  Stand the second  "X"  shaped popsicle sticks and glue one side of the inside top of the second "X" as you did in Step 3 for the first "X".  Then press the same set of 4 popsicle sticks to the glued inside of the second "X", making sure the glue has dried before releasing pressure.

STEP 6:  Then glue the remaining inside sides of the top of the "X's" and press the second set of 4 popsicle sticks to them.

Once the manger has dried you are ready for the good deeds to begin making sure the manger is filled by Christmas Day!

NOTE FOR PARENTS :-)  This works so much better than Santa's warning of being "Naughty or Nice"!
                                                 
                                                                     Enjoy
                                                                 ~ Debbie ~

Want more festive ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

TREASURED TRIMMINGS ADORN OUR FAMILY TREE

 If you are thinking about putting up more than one tree in your home and wondering how to differentiate them, try giving them different themes. Out of all the Christmas trees I put up in our house, my personal favorite is our "Family Tree".  It is filled with colorful photo ornaments of our children, from birth through school days and now includes spouses. In addition, we hang Wallace Silver Ball's that are dated  commemorating each year my husband and I have been married.   The Silver Ball tradition was my mother-in-law's idea.  She started it when her daughter was married.  I thought it was a wonderful idea and was looking forward to becoming a proud recipient the next year when I married her son.  But, lo and behold, while there was a Silver Ball under the tree for my sister-in-law  to commemorate her 2nd year of wedded bliss, there was none for us to commemorate our 1st!  Upon questioning my mother-in-law as to why, she looked blankly at us and replied, "I'm waiting a year to make sure you all 'take' "!!!!!

Each Christmas ever since, upon receiving our Silver Ball, we tease her asking if she thinks we have 'taken' yet?   All joking aside, each Christmas while hanging our Silver Balls,  I regretted not having gone out myself that first Christmas and purchased the Silver Ball commemorating our first year of marriage.   A few years ago, my husband and I were blessed with a precious gift from our children of a 1973 Wallace Silver Ball they had searched for and found on Ebay to commemorate our 1st year of marriage.   I'm not sure I have ever received a gift under the tree that has tugged on my heartstrings the way that little Silver Ball did.  Our daughter and son-in-law were married on New Year's Eve 2008.  I did not wait for their marriage to 'take'.  Their 1st Silver Ball was sitting under the Christmas tree, days before they were married.  And our son and daughter-in-law received their 2012 Silver Ball as part of their wedding present when they married Fall 2012.

I purchase Wallace Silver Balls from Amazon because they are usually cheaper than local department stores.  If you would like to purchase or read more about the Wallace Silver Ball click on link below...

Wallace 2012 Silver Plated Sleigh Bell Ornament, 42nd Edition

One of my current favorite stores to buy photo ornaments is Michael's when they are on sale.

Want more ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees
                                               ~ Start a New Tradition ~
                                                         ~ Debbie ~