Merry Christmas Crackers

We were introduced to an Australian/English tradition this Christmas. It was such fun. They have what they call "crackers" which are put at each person's plate for Christmas dinner. They are wrapped in pretty paper with ribbons, with tufts of wrapping paper at each end. The idea is to have someone pull on the other end while you pull on your end. One of you will pull out a useless bit of cardboard, and the other person will get the contents. It makes a "pop" as it's pulled. The contents of our crackers included a Christmas hat (to be put on immediately), a piece of paper with a joke (much like a fortune cookie), a few pieces of chocolate, and a tiny squirt gun. Our guests made and brought our crackers, which allows you to put whatever you want in them. Suzie, my friend responsible for the crackers, quietly asked me to put a bowl of water at both of the tables where we were to enjoy Christmas dinner. The kids had a bowl and the adults had a bowl, though I had no idea why (until, of course, after we opened our "crackers")! It was great fun "pulling" our crackers and discovering the contents. The hats went on, the jokes were shared, and the squirt guns were put into immediate use. There was a spell of complete chaos as water fights broke out between the two tables, but finally we all settled into eating our meal. Of course, due to the heat we had a cold Christmas dinner, with a fabulous fillet of beef, cold lobster, shrimp, ceviche (an appetizer of small pieces of raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice, often with onions, peppers, and spices) and several different types of cold salads. It was memorable. Afterward, we again were introduced to an Australian/English staple at Christmastime; Christmas pudding. I had never had it before, but it was quite good. It is made from rum-soaked dried fruits essentially inside a fruitcake, but of less density. It is served warm with a rum-cream to go over it. I was happy to have tried it, but I would opt for our more traditional apple, cherry, blueberry or mince meat pie any day. As it turned out I had made a 3-berry crumbleberry pie, which was instantly devoured by all the kids. No Christmas pudding for them!
After singing some Christmas carols with the group, accompanied by Suzie's 89 year old father playing a "Concertina", we went to the beach for a swim. It was spectacular. However, it was quite windy at the beach, so we could not stay unless we were in the water, as sand was blowing everywhere. Due to the high winds, the surf was rocking and rolling and it was great fun.
So, Christmas, Aussie-style. Very different from what we know, but truly a great time was had by all.
Happy Birthday, Jesus!