11 Ways to Celebrate the Nutcracker with Kids
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Ways to Celebrate the Nutcracker with Kids? The Nutcracker is a magical story for the whole family. The ballet, which first premiered in 1892, has been enjoyed by generations of children and adults alike with its timeless classic music and dazzling sets. This guide will take you through all the best ways to have an enjoyable experience watching this holiday tradition!
There are countless traditions in relation to the holiday season, and one of the most cherished is the use of The Nutcracker tickets to see a timeless seasonal classic. This Russian ballet has been thrilling audiences worldwide for generations, and the story is one of fantasy, suspension of belief, high-end performance, and seasonal holiday cheer.
Ways to Celebrate the Nutcracker with Kids
A look at the history of the production and the story itself will help explain why The Nutcracker is as beloved as it is around the world.
History of The Nutcracker
The original story was written by German author E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816. The story existed in its original form for most of the 19th Century, but in 1891 and into 1892, Alexandre Dumas adapted the story to a play/ballet with music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Dumas and Tchaikovsky are legends in their crafts, and the story itself was an instant hit in theaters in Moscow and around Europe.
The production moved to different theaters as it grew in stature, and several adaptations have been formulated over time. The most common adaptation is known as The Nutcracker Suite, which consists of eight musical numbers from the full-length ballet. The Nutcracker Suite is designed purely for concert performances, and this production has also become extremely popular around the world.
About the Story
The story takes place in the Stahlbaum family home, and it begins with a Christmas party. As the hosts and guests celebrate, the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer, a godfather, appears. He enters with a big bag of gifts for the children and hands them out. However, he realizes that he has forgotten a gift for Clara, the Stahlbaum family’s daughter. As a makeshift gift, Herr Drosselmeyer produces a nutcracker, and Clara is thrilled.
Clara’s brother, Fritz, is jealous of the gift, and he breaks the nutcracker, much to the chagrin of Clara. Drosselmeyer shoos Fritz away and repairs the doll, and Clara decides to guard the doll that night so that there is no further damage. It is at this point that The Nutcracker tickets add that element of fantasy for the audience.
Clara falls asleep next to the Christmas tree while guarding her gift, and when the clock strikes midnight, she hears the sound of mice. She tries to run away, but the mice trap her, and her new toy springs to life with an army of nutcrackers and takes on the army of mice. During the battle, Clara helps the nutcracker defeat the army of mice, and the nutcracker turns into a prince that takes Clara to the Land of Sweets.
As the story unfolds, Clara wakes up under the Christmas tree with the nutcracker in her arms. Was it all just a dream, or did it really happen? That’s the question that audiences of all ages have been asking for more than 100 years.
Overall, any answer to this question is really not very important. What is important is that families and friends all over the world celebrate the holiday season with traditions, and one of those traditions should definitely be the use of The Nutcracker tickets for a night of fantasy and fun.
How to make this more memorable with the kids
It doesn’t matter if you watch it on TV, see one of the many movies, or go see a live performance, we rounded up a few fun things you can do with the kids to help stretch that memory! The Nutcracker is an amazing holiday tradition, and the event becomes more exciting when you celebrate it with the kids. Here are a few fun ways to celebrate Nutcracker with kids:
1. Nutcracker Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
It is a fun Christmas craft, and you can hang the colorful nutcracker ornaments on the tree to make it decorative.
Learn how to make Nutcracker Cinnamon Stick Ornaments here
2. Nutcracker Mouse King Chocolates Tutorial
The Mouse King chocolates are the cutest Christmas treats for the little ones in the house. They look like mice and the kids will have so much fun helping you to make these.
Get the Nutcracker Mouse King Chocolates Tutorial here
3. Nutcracker Ballet Story Craft
If you love the Nutcracker ballet and want to bring it home, then the Nutcracker Ballet Story craft is perfect for you.
Learn about the Nutcracker Ballet Story Craft here
4. Ballerina Ornament
It is a great Christmas craft for dance lovers and those who are big fans of ballerinas. It is a perfect group activity that takes little time to complete.
Get the tutorial for Ballerina Ornament here
5. Nutcracker Sugar Cookies for Military Care
The Nutcracker sugar cookies are a big hit for both children and adults. They are loved by everybody and are easy to make.
Get the tutorial for Nutcracker Sugar Cookies for Military Care here
6. Sugar Plum Recipe
If you are looking for delicious no-bake Christmas treats, then your search end here. The sugar plums are fun to make and best enjoyed after the Nutcracker Ballet.
Get the Sugar Plum Recipe here
7. Toilet Paper Roll Nutcracker Story Telling Props
Parents love Christmas crafts for the Pre-schoolers and the kids, and this craft makes good use of the toilet paper roll craft ideas. The set is cute, and the kids will love to take part in this activity.
Learn about the Toilet Paper Roll Nutcracker Story Telling Props here
8. Easy Ribbon Path Decorations
If you have arranged an outdoor Christmas party, then it is important to decorate the surroundings beautifully and in an eye-catching way so that the guests love it.
Learn about the Easy Ribbon Path Decorations here
9. Nutcracker Craft with Popsicle Sticks
Christmas time is perfect for the nutcracker decorations. You will enjoy making the Nutcracker Craft with Popsicle Sticks which can be used to decorate your Christmas tree or as a Christmas gift.
Learn about the Nutcracker Craft with Popsicle Sticks here
10. Nutcracker Ballet Bouquet
The Nutcracker ballet bouquet can be given to the best ballerina after her performance.
Learn how to make the Nutcracker Ballet Bouquet here
11. DIY Nutcracker Giftbox
Do you have empty and clean Pringles can in your home? If yes, then you can use them to make an amazingly beautiful DIY Nutcracker Giftbox.
Get your tutorial of DIY Nutcracker Giftbox here
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