Christmas crackers are a traditional English Christmas tradition that usually contains a paper hat, a joke, and a small toy. They're usually pulled apart at the end to make a loud popping sound, which is thought to bring good luck. The crackers are usually enjoyed as part of a Christmas meal, and the gifts inside are typically not very valuable or significant. The tradition is believed to have originated from the 19th century, when people would wear paper hats at Christmas dinners.