Boycott Xmas crackers plastic crap

I`m re-cycling...using cardboard inners from wrapping paper , using left over wrap and using bits and pieces from around the house as gifts. Got left over Christmas tissue for hats...no banging snaps as doggy doesn't like them We`ll shout `bang` as we pull them.

Thanks Anja

I do like a robin theme at Christmas although I know that they are aggressive, territorial little birds!

HildaW brown paper and garden string is very 'on trend' at the moment!

I used to like the crackers which contained Wade Whimsies and bought them for the DC, probably not available now.

We've had some very useful items from crackers eg a letter opener which I use all the time, a small tape measure which I keep in my handbag etc.

It usually lists what is inside the crackers on the outside of the box, so it pays to check.

I could never give up the crackers. I do, however 'doctor' but unfastening them and popping in a little gift especially chosen for that person. Nothing flash, just lip balms etc. Then retie with some ribbon

Lovely traditional Advent Calendars in Germany perhaps I did not comment on them, but when we moved to Portugal there were no Christmas cards to be found, 1990.

I quite like crackers. Ethical ones are worth looking into.

Wonder what's in this old box in here. Might pull 'em this afternoon. Find out. If I can summon the energy.

Ooh German Advent Calendars. Wonderful things. So lucky to have friends who send them every year

Tiny pack of cards. I must have about 20 decks in my sideboard

When we have had them, I'm the only one looking like a pudding with a daft hat on.

Well, you certainly get beautiful cards and advent calendars on the continent felice.

I've got a three year old box here if anyone wants it. No one can be bothered with 'em.

Do not have them here, in fact when we first moved to the continent we could not get Christmas cards either. So no worries on that score. I brought some home from the UK once and SIL thought they were daft and a waste of money. I am with him on that..

It's not difficult for me to avoid Xmas crackers or Xmas. However I do understand different there are notions of fun.

Slowly, slowly, they crawl out of the closet or should that be the grotto.

Wholeheartedly agree, Floradora9!

It’s cheaper to buy Make your own cracker sets that are just paper. Then add in chocolates or something.

Greener, cheaper and more fun with Christmas crafts.

Just go the whole hog and boycote Christmas . That would get my vote.

What happened to all those plastic ducks? I must Google.

Just to say, for those who like throwing the tat in the bin. They recently discovered a small plastic toy buried in the Arctic ice which came from a 1950s breakfast cereal packet. It had not deteriorated at all. Every time you throw some plastic tat away you are destroying the planet!

I'm like Witzend. Crackers just have to be tatty, and groanworthy, that's the fun of them.

Sara65 [ grin] have never found a rain hat in a cracker, but the mini screwdriver set has been mega useful over the years.
Our favourite is the ‘mood’ fish.....everyone wants a go at that.

Just found reusable crackers here which look perfect!
www.keepthiscracker.com/

Sorry Anja, I promise I didn’t type Anna!
I’ve just found that Lakeland do empty crackers - 6 for £12.99.
Yours seem better value.