American woman came into Fortnum & Masons before Christmas and espies the Xmas crackers.
"Good God, what are these?"
One of the floor managers, impeccably dressed in his F&M morning suit approaches her.
"They are Christmas Crackers, Madam."
"And how do they work?"
You put them on the table and two guests take one, grip each end and the little tag inside the sleeve and pull. You then have a little pop and explosion and the cracker tears apart. The "winner" with the sleeve then gets the small present inside, and there is also a celebratory paper hat to wear and some form of small joke or riddle for one's amusement."
"And how much are they?"
"Madam, these are £1000 for twelve."
"Good God, who buys those?"
"I believe the Queen has a few at her Christmas table, Madam, traditionally held on Christmas Eve."
"I'll take four boxes then."