Mary Lourdes Bonnici MBA

  Christmas Crackers — The Victorian Tradition at the Festive Table From French bonbons to the joyful snap: history, symbolism, etiquette, and the future of a Christmas ritual By Mary Lourdes Bonnici MBA | Learning • Knowledge • Growth | 21 October 2026 Introduction Picture a Christmas table just before the meal begins. Beside each plate lies a brightly wrapped paper tube, tapered at both ends, perhaps tied with ribbons or decorated in red, green, gold or silver. Two diners reach across the table, each taking one end. There is a brief pause, a shared pull, a sharp pop, and usually laughter. A folded paper crown emerges, along with a puzzling joke and a little surprise. The object is small, but the ceremony is unmistakable. It turns guests from observers into participants and marks the meal as something different from an ordinary dinner. A Christmas cracker is a decorated paper novelty designed to be pulled apart by two people. Traditionally it contains a snapping strip, a paper...

  🎄 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS, STORIES & FESTIVE LIVING DAY 76 • 76 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS 🦌 The Story of Santa's Reindeer From Ancient Winter Imagery to the Magical Christmas Eve Journey Saturday, 10 October 2026 | By Mary Lourdes Bonnici MBA Welcome to Day 76 of our Christmas journey! Today, we explore one of the most enchanting symbols of the festive season: Santa Claus's reindeer. Behind the familiar image of flying reindeer pulling a sleigh lies a fascinating story of literature, folklore, popular culture and changing Christmas traditions. Our article follows the established series protocol, including historical context, symbolism, educational reflections, Harvard-style references, English and Maltese video scripts, publishing descriptions, nine labels and the three-poster collection. 1. Introduction — The Magic of Christmas Eve Imagine a peaceful Christmas Eve. Snow covers the rooftops, stars illuminate the winter sky, and somewhere in the distance, a sleigh travels ...