Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place a layer of saltines in sheet and set aside.
In a medium pan over medium high heat, melt butter.
Add sugar, water, and salt.
Cook stirring constantly until candy thermometer reads 300 (hard crack stage).
Evenly pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet over crackers.
Allow to cool until set.
In microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening.
Melt this in the microwave, cooking and stirring in 30 second intervals until fully melted and thin.
Pour melted chocolate over the cooled candy and spread to even layer.
Sprinkle chocolate with holiday sprinkles.
Let stand on counter for several hours.
Break into bite-size pieces.