Seasonal Ornaments

What would Christmas be
without the traditional
German nutcracker?

~ carliewired

Nutcrackers have been tied with the Christmas season since the ballet The Nutcracker featured one. The original nutcrackers were hand-carved and hand-painted as a cottage industry in the 1800s in Germany. America has embraced the concept over time and the nutcracker is hugely popular here. One US company offers a 72 inch version for sale.

I was given a nutcracker for Christmas many years ago by a dear friend. That started my collection at home.

These shots were taken at a local antique store here in Yuma, Arizona. I'm sure these didn't come from Germany!