in pursuit of
PARTY
fashion
Few customs encourage the revelatory raucousness of
descending on one brightly wrapped, tastefully flourished gift,
bursting it open with gleeful abandon for the purely giddy thrill
of hearing the pop and waiting for a tumble of goodies, trinkets
and silliness to spill forth. In short, the Victorians knew how to
party. It is a jovial act, and likely the most anticipated (second
only to the presents themselves) moment of the season’s
celebration for children and adults alike. England’s fine tradition
of the holiday cracker—one that makes this side of the Atlantic
feel a little envious—is a sonic festivity that promises ridiculous
jokes, mottos, paper hats and any number of souvenirs to mark
the occasion. If you’re lucky, one of these chic crackers with
their charming mementos and pretty wrapping will be beside
your plate at dinner. If not, befriend a Brit for next year.
