In 1998 Australian Ray Price built a 55.45 metre long and 3.6 metre wide Christmas cracker. It was pulled in the car park of Chatswood shopping centre in Sydney on 16th December. However, the English have also had a go at it, and built a 63.1 metre long and 4 metre wide cracker in 2001. Theirs was filled with balloons, a huge paper hat and the joke 'Why does Father Christmas always look sad? Because he's got the sack!'

The Christmas cracker was invented by confectioner Tom Smith in 1847. He thought it was a novel way to promote his business, hence the shape of a bon bon. The sound of fire crackling was the inspiration behind the banger.

The sound of a whip cracking was all convict Michael Dennison heard on the first Christmas Day celebrated in Sydney Cove, Australia in 1788. Michael stole a pound of flour and was sentenced to 200 lashes, but since it was Christmas Day he only received 150. Happy Christmas Michael!

Why do we say Happy Christmas and not Merry Christmas? It was suggested by Australian Priests, as merry refers to getting merry with the aid of alcohol. Cheers.

This information was sourced from http://www.noveltiesgalore.com/categories/41/christmas_crackers.html
http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/australia.html
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/txt/s1811899.htm

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