Memories of cracking open pecans with my grandparents also influenced my interest in nutcrackers. A few times a year, we would help collect the nuts from their tree and crack a few open for a pecan pie. While the nutcracker I used was not quite as fancy as those I collect now, I was proud to be able to help with this tasty family tradition. 

The final influence was my enjoyment of the Christmas holiday. I bought my first nutcracker from a yard sale at around 12 years old because I thought I needed my own personal decorations. With my love of the ballet and family tradition, a nutcracker was an obvious choice to me. However, my younger self was disappointed that the mouth didn’t open and close, so it was a few years before I got back into the idea and my collection really took off. 

Now, I’ve built my collection up to 20 or 30 nutcrackers, in different forms and states of wear. I keep an eye out at antique stores for unique finds and receive a few each year as Christmas gifts. My main criteria are that a nutcracker adds diversity to my collection and brings me happiness (and it helps if the mouth opens and shuts as well!) I also love to find nutcrackers that hold the special meaning of a trip abroad or an outing with friends. The tiny soldiers are said to bring good luck, but at the very least I hope they bring joy to whoever sees them."