Christmas Crackers

My friend Lynda in Tanzania wrote about the history of the novelty Christmas cracker over at her blog today. I love the handmade ones that are made in Tanzania by the residents in leprosy homes.

My family never grew up with this tradition but as I got older I have incorporated it into my tradition whenever I have Christmas dinner at my house. Since mom hasn't been able to travel for some time, I haven't had dinner at my house for a few years. I now make Christmas dinner over at her home when I visit and the family gathers there.

Lynda's blog reminded me that I still have a whole box of unused Christmas crackers that have been languishing in a cupboard. I have now taken them out and will add it to the growing list of things I'll take with me on my Christmas visit.

Here are some pictures of my box of novelty crackers.


Inside there are usually plastic or crepe paper hats (crowns), a plastic toy and a little joke or verse. I think these are quite neat and I like adding them to my dinner festivities. Maybe you also like to have Christmas crackers at your table or perhaps you have never used a Christmas cracker. You can learn all about how to use them here. Happy pulling!

Decorating ~ Tis the Season

Stockings are set out by the fireplace for those surprise presents Santa always brings. Truthfully, I haven't been a stocking stuffer recipient since childhood. I just like looking at the stockings on the mantle.


My little tree has stood in for Christmas tree duty now for several years. I bought it because I thought it would be quicker to decorate each year and also, it saves on buying and throwing away trees. The tree is not so big but it does have full some boughs so it carries quite a lot of decorations.

Some years I don't trim the tree in lights at all. Some years, I use multi-coloured lights. Mostly, I like clear lights.

I thought I would go for a gold theme this year but when I finished, I saw that the gold bulbs looked too large for my little tree. I removed them and started the decorating anew.

Here is the little tree after I added white stars and red sparkling bulbs.

Now here is the little tree with the lights on.

I usually keep my holiday decor quite simple. I add some red, glittering bells to my door, instead of a wreath and I often adorn the fireplace mantle with holly and red berries. Some years, I don't decorate at all. I do like to look at glittering things, so I decorate as often as I can. I don't bother with lights and tinsel around the walls and windows.

This year I added a beautiful red skirt to the tree. I tried to add a metal star but that only fell over, lol, so back to the trusted angel on top. There is a way to light her up too but I don't like to fiddle with the electrical wiring and I think she looks fine just as she is.

Now that my decorating is done, I can get on to other things like preparing for and discussing with the Missions of Hope leader, Pastor Jonah, what we should do for Christmas celebrations in the village. I am excited. This year, I launched my Etsy shop and am raising funds to help the villagers. The first project is to provide some jiko stoves and a Christmas party. If you can help, I'd love to have you stop by my shop. If you want to help but don't want a photo or a disciple cross, please contact me and we can discuss. Looking forward to hearing from you.