Have you ever made Christmas Crackers or had the good fortune to be able to pop one? I have always found them so exotic and romantic-brightly colored tubes that explode gifts - what could be better?
Over the weekend, we six went to the Connecticut Historical Society for some Christmas Cracker construction. I love that place. I am a history geek so I am all about it. Turns out the kids really enjoy it too, which is lucky for them because we would be going regardless. At any rate, we had a blast making the crackers. They are super duper easy. The Society set up all kinds of neat goodies to put in the crackers-sticky frogs (pure awesomeness), candy canes, kisses, confetti, bouncy balls and paper crowns. I adore those paper crowns. I do wonder if I am secretly English at Christmas. Probably not because even though I love paper crowns, I am not a fan of figgy pudding.
The employees at the Society are very sweet and fun. One woman was even dressed in a Gryffindor sweater and tie. We all thought that was pretty neat. We nerd hard in our family. I don't think there was a particular reason for her outfit except that it was cold and she wanted to be comfortable while she walked to work. Apparently other museum patrons enjoyed it too and why not.
After constructing their treats, we roamed the museum and the kids played dress-up with busts of historical figures. I also saw a reproduced circa 1980's kitchen that made me feel a weensy bit ancient. Man things do change quickly! 1980's microwaves were huge and all of that brightly colored Tupperware plastic was just over the top. The kids had a chance to play with a rotary phone. They looked really entranced with it and they marveled at how long it took to dial a number. To be honest, I think they were a little horrified.
Later that evening, after a Nutcracker meeting and rehearsal, we headed over to Gledhill Nursery to catch the tail end of their Open House. I picked up a Christmas Cactus, some paperwhite bulbs and an Advent ring (yay!) while everyone else snacked on cupcakes and cider. Now that was a nice full, holiday day.
Are you taking part in any old or newly discovered Christmas or Hannukah traditions?
