The Nutcracker

My absolute favorite tradition is taking my children to see the Nutcracker ballet.  James stays home with those who are not old enough and the rest of us dress up and head to a matinee.  During the intermission we scour the tables of goodies and each child gets to pick a treat and a keepsake to take home.  It is a beautiful ballet and so much fun.  This was William's first year coming with us and though he was a bit tired the last ten minutes or so he actually did really well.  There is magic in dressing in your finest gowns/suit and going to the theater. 

After the performance we head onto the stage for the Sugar Plum party.  Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed there.  Here we get to meet the major cast members, have cookies and punch, and everyone gets a tiny nutcracker ornament to hang at home.  They also have ushers who divulge the secrets of stage tricks.  The kids love finding out how the nutcracker changes into a human and how Mother Baffoon rolls out on stage.  So much fun!