Christmas crackers were first  pulled in 1845-1850 and ... (make) by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith.

He  ___ (see) the French ‘Bon Bon’ sweets and  wanted to do something similar.

He also wanted to include a small motto or riddle with the sweet, which is a reason why we still  have them today. Smith  ... (come) back to London and  tried to sell similar types of sweets in England

Despite his idea, he didn't make a lot of sales because they .......... (negative receive)  well.

However, he had a change of tact. One evening while he ...  (sit) in front in front of his log fire he became fascinated by the sounds, sparks and cracks  from the fire.

He then got inspiration from this and ... (think) he could  include sweets and toys in a wrapper ...

that could  .... (pull) apart with the sound of cracking.

When Tom Smith  ... (die), his three sons Tom, Walter and Henry  took over his business.

Walter had a great idea and hats ....(introduce) into the cracker, which is what we see today.