Nutcrackers were first carved by commoners as a joke because it was considered fun to make a little wooden king or soldier do the menial work of cracking the tough.

The Nutcracker Suite, tells the story of Clara, who is given a nutcracker for Christmas. She falls asleep and dreams it has come to life. After a battle with the Mouse King, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince travel through a snowy forest to the magical Kingdom of Sweets where they meet the lovely Sugar Plum Fairy.