It’s a familiar story: A family hosts its annual holiday party to much splendor. Eccentric family friend, Herr Drosselmeyer makes a grand entrance bringing a magical toy, a Nutcracker, to his Goddaughter, Clara, much to the dismay of her brother. In a dream (or is it?), the Nutcracker comes to life as a handsome prince who whisks Clara away to a magical land where they are entertained by international dancers. Lovely.
Colorado Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Dana Benton and Sean Omandam – photo by Mike Watson.
Now, I’ve seen productions of “The Nutcracker” that left me feeling uneasy. Drosselmeyer is creepy, bordering on lecherous and Clara seems way too young to be going off with some guy in really tight tights. Even the Arabian dance is so sensuous, the audience needed to fan itself a bit. But Colorado Ballet’s 2012 production doesn’t leave you with that smarmy feeling. Instead, it’s just as it should be – innocent, playful, full of childlike wonder and believable (as believable as giant mouse kings, flying through the air and giant mothers with children pouring out of her skirt can be).
The company, in the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Colorado Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Mike Watson.
It’s a gorgeous production with massive sets, wonderful effects, lovely costumes and, of course, great dancing. The highlights for me were the family’s grand living Victorian livingroom, the confectionary-themed Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy that would make the Hostess Company proud and the near blizzard of sparkling snow that falls over the dancers in The Land of Snow. It is truly magical.
I was happy to see not only a lot of little girls in the audience, but also plenty of boys. Take your children – of all ages. “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition and a great excuse to force the kiddos into their best clothing. There’s just a wonderful, glittery air about the whole experience.
Colorado Ballet’s ”The Nutcracker,” runs through December 24, playing at the Ellie Caulkins Theater in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Colorado Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”, Sharon Wehner as Dew Drop – photo by Mike Watson.
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Xmas morning with the family. And my grandfather always dressed up as Santa.
My favorite holiday tradition is reading the Christmas Story and The Night Before Christmas as a family on Christmas Eve before going to bed.
Going to see The Nutcracker with my grandmother!
I couldn’t wait for holiday punch on Christmas Eve. It was basically a giant bowl of koolaid with a liter of 7UP and a block of orange sherbet melting in it. I would drink myself almost ill.
Secretly waiting at the bottom of the stairs after bed for Santa to come in the front door. My parents hired a guy every year, red suit, big belly, white, real beard, black bag over his shoulder and all. I thought no one knew I peered around the staircase every year but apparently that’s how the tradition began, because my Mom knew I waited up for him, so,… she hired him. It was magical, very amazing to see him every year and to not have anyone know.
I think I believed in Santa until I was at least 12. Funny to think back on now.
We always stayed up late and opened just one gift on Christmas Eve. For some reason, that one gift was so special! I never saw the Nutcracker as a child, but I took my daughter just before she turned 2, and she loved it so much, even as a baby, that we have made a tradition of going every year… just us.
We always got pajamas from Santa at the foot of our beds. We would wear them for Christmas morning while we opened presents.
The country where I was born celebrates Christmas a little bit differently. It’s not Santa who brings presents but little Jesus/Angel. He comes on Christmas Eve. Somehow we kids always happened to take our evening baths while Jesus brought the presents and we missed him:)
Riding the 30 miles to our mountain home on Christmas Eve in the dark while listening to the Santa updates on the radio and looking out the car window for Rudolph’s nose.
Christmas morning we would wake up and rush down the stairs in awe, we’d get our stockings before we would wake up our mom. In each stocking besides little trinkets, were always an apple, a banana and an orange. The smells together of those fruits are my best Christmas memories.
When I was a little girl, I remember Christmas being a magical and enchanting time of year. Every Christmas Eve, all of my family members would come to our tightly cramped house. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends would embrace with smiles filled with love as we sipped on hot chocolate and listened to Christmas songs. We would bundle up and walk throughout the neighborhood streets, ooo-ing and ahhh-ing at the beautiful light arrangements while feeling joyous to just be together. After my grandma passed on last thanksgiving, Christmas hasn’t been the same. But I still cherish those special memories, and hope to one day have my own children to share them with. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning and the warm, fuzzy feeling of family being together
Breaking the traditional piñatas in my homecountry and then tasting my grandma’s delicious food
On Christmas Eve, my family makes each members favorite dish for us all to share. It’s a lot of food, and a lot of fun!
every year I love helping my grandma bake traditional mexican cookies which are called “Biscochitos” they stay so warm and yummy!
Love attending the Cathedral Mass and hearing the choir sing Christmas Carols, they sound like angels!
Putting the year into perspective with love seen clearer than before. Favorite holiday tradition is thinking of gifts and the looks on their faces with the surprise awaiting.
Waiting at my grandparent’s house for my aunts, uncles, and cousins to arrive on Christmas eve. Grandpa always made a big pot of stew for the hungry travelers. After everyone arrived and was fed, we gathered together beside the Christmas tree and read the biblical Christmas
story. After the story was read, we all opened Christmas presents. Paper and ribbons and excited commotion ensued. Wonderful memories, wonderful Christmas time.
As a dancer, my favorite holiday tradion was actually going to watch a performance of the Nutcracker every year with my mother. Now that I am a mom, and my daughter is a dancer I want to continue that tradition with her!!
My favorite childhood holiday tradition was helping my mom make Christmas dinner. It was a special time set aside for just us. I hope my daughter and I can continue the tradition when she’s a little older.
I grew up in a poor country and there were no Santa nor toys or any gifts to open. However, my favorite family tradition was to invite a family in (even) more need than my family, and have them over for dinner. Midnight mass was a nice family tradition that I remember fondly as well.
I come from a huge family — seven kids 16 years apart in age. The only day I could count on all of us being together every year was Christmas Eve. We decorated the tree, ate lasagne, and went to church. As the youngest child, it was definitely the best part of Christmas for me.
Going to the mountains to cut down a Christmas tree!
Going to see The Nutcracker with my mom and sisters in LA
My favorite tradition is having cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning!
Lighting candles all over the house
We never decorated our tree until after Mass on Christmas Eve. We’d get home, eat pizza and decorate the tree while we listened to Bing Crosby’s Christmas album. My parents still do that to this day.
Roasting hotdogs and making s’mores in our fireplace on Christmas Eve while watching Christmas movies.
My favorite Christmas memory is opening presents with family on the 24th and waking up to Santa presents on the 25th.
Brenda
My favorite Christmas tradition was opening presents with family on the 24th at midnight and then waking up to Santa gifts on the 25th
My mom playing piano and uncle playing the guitar while we all joined in singing Christmas carols.
Christmas charades with the family.
My favorite holiday tradition is watching the movie, “Die Hard” after Christmas Eve mass.
To this day my family makes tamales on Chritmas Eve. Always re-tell stories of grandma cooking up a storm
Reading The Best Christmas Pagent Ever while sitting around the tree ChristmasEve.
My favorite holiday tradition was waking up my parents every year at 3:00am asking “Has Santa come yet???!!!” I was inevitably sent back to bed…
Growing up my family would all open matching pajamas, which were given to us by out parnets while being chauffeured around Denver in a limo driver looking at the most amazing Christmas light displays in town. My parents were awesome! Still brings a smile to my face to this day!
When I was a child , my aunts would take me each year to radio City Music Hall and to see the windows of the Fifth Ave Department stores. it was magical!
Making gingerbread with my mom. I had a favorite cozy spot in front of the oven peeking through the window to see if it was ready. Also loved hopping in the car and driving around looking at lights. Everything on MY side of the car was mine, and the other was my sisters. We had a sort of competition on who got the best houses.