With his carved wooden uniform, jaws, and expression, it's no doubt that the nutcracker soldier has become a timeless symbol of Christmas, but why? Tools for cracking nuts have been around since the 14th century, but the first styled soldier nutcracker that we are all used to came around the 1600's. These were a useful piece of decor, but not necessarily associated with Christmas.
The original of the famous ballet performed during the holiday season Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" was actually a story called "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King". It was written in 1816 in Germany and then made into the famous ballet we know and see today. This then popularized the germanic toy because the play was written around Christmastime and given as a gift. According to German folklore, Nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring luck to the family and protect the home because they resemble soldiers. They were known to represent strength and power while watching over the family. In the mid 1900's, the popularity of the Nutcracker during Christmastime made its way to the United States.
Over the years, the Nutcracker has become a symbol of Christmas and the decor aspect has grown more popular, so they are no longer used for cracking nuts. We now have very elaborate designs and themes like working, character, and religious themed nutcrackers. Here at christmas.com, we offer numerous sized nutcrackers ranging from as small as an ornament and as tall as you!