Roxi’s Christmas Dinner and a Video
japra | Dec 17, 2008 | Comments 20
Roxi experienced an English “Christmas Dinner” at school yesterday.
- Roast Turkey
- Mashed Potatoes
- Bacon wrapped sausages (yikes!)
- Stuffing
- Mince pies*
- Lollipops
- and Christmas Crackers
Since I have never seen an open Christmas cracker, I bought a box of 12 for us to open (pop?) during our little “Christmas morning” here before we leave.
Roxi says they are more fun when you open a bunch of them with friends. Perhaps my British friends can verify, but I believe that you sit around a table, cross arms and hold one end of your cracker while your friend holds the other end, and so on all around the table. Then, everyone pulls at the same time.
Here’s Roxi showing us what’s inside these fun little packages.
Exams start today. First one: US History.
*Speaking of minced pies, I passed a McDonald’s last week that was advertising a “Festive Pie“. Think fried apple pie, only filled with mincemeat and a custard of some sort. I almost tried one. Just to see.
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
You’ve never had crackers! Oh my goodness! Haven’t you ever seen pictures of Brits wearing silly paper hats? You should take some back for your TX relatives. (I have been instructed to bring some to the Bahamas.) BTW, your description of cracker-cracking is perfect.
I went to a Xmas lunch a couple of weeks ago . . . and the crackers all had bells in them. Then we had to join in and attempt to recreate well-known carols with our impromptu bell choir. Roxi might get a kick out of those! When we had family Xmas this past weekend, my cracker had measuring spoons in it. Apt, eh?
Something for the “mincemeat” file. I had a mincemeat doughnut at the Paddington’s Krispy Kreme yesterday. It was pretty good, actually.
I love the tradition of serving a big Xmas lunch to school children. I’ve never seen lollipops on the menu, though!
Bee–Can you take crackers on the plane? I thought they had a small bit of explosive in them? If we can, I would love to bring some of these back! I know about 20 kids who would get a real kick out of them. Did someone personalize your cracker with the measuring spoons (which we can never have too many of, in my opinion!)? As for the Lollipops… it is an American school after all! Well, since you were brave enough to try the KK mincemeat doughnut, perhaps I will try the Mickey D’s fried “Festive Pie”.
My daughter mentioned that, too — about the explosive, I mean. Is it an explosive? I’m not sure. I’m willing to take a chance — and hopefully, my crackers won’t be confiscated!
Report back on the pie! We once had the pumpkin pie Blizzard from DQ. It wasn’t too bad, actually.
THIS IS BRILLIANT!
You should put this video on you tube…
The girls had their school Christmas lunch (er, dinner) yesterday and I was there serving…
One of the dinner ladies yelled at me and I got gravy everywhere, but it was really cute.
Did you know you can buy crackers at World Market in Houston?
I bought then on a whim several years ago, because my brother and his family were coming for Christmas dinner. (His wife at the time was English).
The kids loved them! I don’t get them every year, but they love it when I do.
Bee – Krispy Kreme is over there? No way!
Japra – You must try the festive pie and report back on it’s alleged festive-ness. With Pictures!
Bee–Ok, if I go anywhere near a McDonald’s I’ll TRY the pie for you and BSR.
Susanna–Thanks for the idea! Here it is. :-)
BSR–NO! I didn’t know that! Thanks for the tip. I am sure I will be around there at some point. And regarding Krispy Kreme, yes, there are some small stores here (mostly in the big train stations) and I’ve seen some bakery stands at Tesco’s (like Target). I saw one fellow carrying a box of KKs to a dinner party. I’m a Shipley’s girl myself. And regarding the festive pies, I shall try one next time I am out and about.
Henry found Christmas crackers in Freeport, Maine and the kids are overjoyed. They were in the English Export shop of course. I’ll see if they have a website for my next post.
I loved Roxi’s funny film, and I’m sure she’ll ace the exams. She’s right that crackers should be opened in a group – you link up around the table either before or after the flaming Christmas pudding. I can’t imagine the festive pies sell at American McDonald’s.
I love that art is your New Year’s resolution (below).
Oh, I couldn’t see the video! It is unavailable. But I’ll be back later, that’s for sure!
Cute. I always wanted to have these at a party!
Sarah–I imagine the crackers are a lot of fun at adult parties too (after a couple of cocktails!). I definitely am promising myself next year for art. This blog may take a bit of a backseat, but it’s something that needs to be done!
Chris–Thanks for telling me. I have replaced it with the YouTube version. Hope it works better!
Suzanne–The Crackers are really fun and everybody loves them! There are some videos on YouTube that show how to make these at home. One thing nice about making them yourself is you can personalize them for your guests :-)
Japra, that’s the cutest video! I love the music and the editing too! They sell Christmas crackers in Canada too.
They sell them at quite a few places here, actually! I like the idea of personalizing them. That would be very cool! Funny that you mentioned Shipley’s. My daughter lamented only yesterday that there are no Shipley’s in Virginia. xoxMimsy
loved the video – so fun! thanks for stopping by my blog – will be back
Christmas crackers! Ahh, brings back memories. Loved your little video, by the way.
Christine–Interesting! Do you know what other British traditions are celebrated in Canada? Maybe one day you can do a post on Canadian Christmas traditions. I’d love to hear about those.
Mimsy–Shipley’s freshly glazed straight from the grease! Oh, my heart (just thinking about it, haha)! Where else can I find the crackers in Texas?
Jeane–Thanks for stopping by! Glad you liked the video. It was fun to make.
Alyson–I bet your kids would get a huge kick out of them! I had my paper crown on while I was cleaning up yesterday. I forgot I had it on until my husband came home and gave me a funny look. Haha!
I wonder if the guy who invented Cracker Jacks…with a prize inside, I might add…was creating an American version of crackers, without the noise.
Nice film! I am amazed you never had crackers. I think the explosive detectors might pick up the crackers. I wouldn’t do it, the TSA has a limited sense of humor, and often lacking in cultural awareness.
The last 3 crackers I opened had silver charm bracelet charms in them. They were a gift, part of a 12 days of Christmas thing, it was 3rd day.
Laurie-unfortunately not. The original Cracker Jacks from 1896 did not have toys in them. They were add in 1912.
Laurie–Maybe they were inspired? I remember when Cracker Jack used to have good prizes. Ugh. That probably dates me.
Susan–Since they’re available locally, I’ll just pick some up when I get home. And I want in on that 12 Days of Christmas thing! Those are some nice “trinkets”.
HA! cute video. I love her bangles and ring.
I think I’ll go check out how to make my own crackers. These are a blast and I never thought of making them myself.
British Isles in the Village sells them, and I’ve seen them at other places, too–I just can’t recall which. xoxMimsy http://www.britishislesonline.com/cms/storecat/Gifts,,390.html