Canadian shocked after discovering Aussie Christmas bon bons

A Canadian tourist has had his mind blown after discovering a beloved Aussie Christmas tradition — bonbons aka Christmas crackers.

Bon bons are a beloved Aussie tradition and no Christmas dinner can be complete without the little paper hats and “hilarious” jokes, which fall out once the crackers are ripped open.

This tradition has left a Canadian tourist utterly dumbfounded, as he took to social media to share his shocking discovery.

Josiah Hein, who is continually amazed by the differences between his home country and Australia, posted a video on TikTok showing his latest find — bon bons.

“In Australia there’s something called Christmas bonbons,” Mr Hein said.

“Im not exactly sure what they are. There’s a ten pack here only for $5.99”

“There’s like Christmas cards and crosswords in there or something,” he said.

“Looks like there’s a cocktail line or something I’m not sure, Merry Christmas.”

In many countries, bon bons are known as Christmas crackers, which can lead to confusion from foreigners.

Canadian shocked by Aussie tradition. Picture: @josiahhein / TikTok

Bon bons typically have small gifts inside. Picture: @josiahhein / TikTok

The TikTok video has racked up thousands of views, with Aussies flocking to comments to express their shock at the fact that this isn’t a widespread tradition.

“Wait I’m sorry what — y’all don’t have those?” a person commented.

“I just can’t imagine not wearing a colourful paper crown while eating Christmas dinner,” chimed in another.

A third wrote: “You need to buy them they are quintessential for an Aussie Christmas.”

While another added: “I thought all countries have these.”

Bon bons are festive table decorations that make a snapping sound when pulled open, often containing small gifts inside like paper hats, jokes and crosswords.

While more commonly known as Christmas crackers, they are part of Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

America lacks this Christmas tradition, as some states consider bonbons as “fireworks” and hence aren’t allowed to be sold.

Christmas bonbons are found at dinner tables. Picture: Supplied

The first Christmas bonbons were introduced by a London confectioner in the 1840s, who took inspiration from French “bonbons” — sugared almonds wrapped in a twist of pretty tissue paper.

Upon his return to England, he tried selling similar sweets, packaging them in a small cardboard tube wrapped in coloured paper and placing small paper hats and mottos inside.

They were introduced in Australia in 1867 by a confectioner, George Smith and Sons of Sydney.

Original bonbons found in Sydney at that time were made of sugar, cream of tartar, and peppermint oil, wrapped with paper to resemble a cracker with the ends glued together.

Modern Christmas bon bons are typically made of cardboard and crack loudly when ripped apart..

They are usually filled with cheap plastic toys, paper hats, jokes, puzzles and games but more expensive variations of the Christmas tradition also exist.

Earlier this year, Woolworths was slammed for selling a box of “deluxe” Christmas bon bons, containing bizarre prizes such as a paperclip and a spring at a whopping $15 for six paper crackers.