The story of the nutcracker has played a significant role in our Christmas traditions and celebrations for quite some time, as a result of Princess' trauma history and PTSD episodes related to Santa.
As we prepare for another holiday season, we can't resist surrounding ourselves with all things nutcracker related. In honor of our favorite Christmas character I have compiled a gift of Nutcracker themed gift ideas for kids.
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When Princess was able to express her fear of “The Big Red Giant” aka Santa Claus, we eliminated the figure from our Christmas celebrations. It wasn’t enough to just focus on the birth of Jesus. Princess craved the joy that other children experience during the season. She just wasn't going to get it from Santa.
Instead, she experiences sheer delight as we read and celebrate the story of The Nutcracker each year. The idea came to me as I was searching for non Santa-related Christmas activities for homeschooling a few years back. I love The Nutcracker Ballet.
Each year, our family reads the story of The Nutcracker together. Music and movies about Santa have been replaced with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and various children's version of the beloved story. Nutcracker decorations abound.
And last year, for the very first time, Princess attended a live performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. She instantly fell in love and danced her way through the season, while listening to her favorite music. Princess can not wait to see the ballet again this year.
We could have never imagined how much one simple change in tradition changed our holiday season. It’s absolutely magical. Truth be told, we don’t miss Santa Claus one bit. And who can resist all of these nutcracker themed gifts?
Clara Doll with Pockets
Sugar Plum Fairy Musical Doll
Clara Musical Doll
Snow Queen Doll
Purple Sugar Plum Fairy Doll
Barbie Doll Ballerina
Barbie Nutcracker Ken Doll
American Girl Bitty Twin Ballerina Nightgown
American Girl Bitty Twin Toy Soldier PJs
Nutcracker Finger Puppets and Case
Nutcracker Coloring and Craft Book
Nutcracker Sticker Activity Book
Glitter Nutcracker Ballet Stickers
Nutcracker Ballet Coloring Book
Nutcracker Ballet Creativity Set & Book
Nutcracker Ballet-Coloring Book
The Story of the Nutcracker Coloring Book
Nutcracker Ballet Playing Cards
The Nutcracker Ballet: A Book, Theater, and Paper Doll Fold Out Set
Ballerina Role Play Costume Set
Toy Soldier Dress Up Costume
Drum
Paint Your Own Nutcracker Prince
Nutcracker Nesting Dolls
Nutcracker Ballet Nesting Dolls
Nutcracker Rubber Stamps
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
Nutcracker by Maurice Sendak
The Nutcracker Ballet by Deborah Hautzig
The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet by Deborah Hautzig
The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet
The Nutcracker by Rita Balducci
The Nutcracker by Janet Schulman
The Nutcracker by Alison Jay
The Nutcracker Board Book
The Nutcracker Ballet by Vladimir Vagin
The Nutcracker by E. T. A Hoffmann
Clara Ornament
Nutcracker Prince Ornament
Drosselmeyer Ornament
Mouse King Ornament
Sugar Plum Fairy Ornament
Snow Queen Ballerina Ornament
Mother Ginger Ornament
Arabian Dancer Ornament
Chinese Dancer Ornament
Spanish Dancer Ornament
Russian Dancer Ornament
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker (another)
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture
Barber in The Nutcracker
Care Bears: The Nutcracker
Tom & Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale
Angelina Ballerina: Nutcracker Sweet
The nutcracker has become a symbol of happiness at Christmas time for Princess. Whenever she sees one she smiles. When there’s talk of Santa, she can think or talk about the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy instead. The Nutcracker is a clear visual symbol and manipulative that helps Princess avoid PTSD triggers during the Christmas season.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the following.
Holidays and PTSD: A Parent's Guide to Survival
This post is part of the Parenting Children with Special Needs Series. If you'd like to read about more fabulous gift ideas for special needs kiddos, check out the posts below.
Nutcracker Themed Gift Ideas for Kids | Every Star is Different
Gift Giving & Autism: The One Golden Rule | My Home Truths
Self-Care Gifts for Special Needs Parents | Life Over C’s
Best Gifts for the Autism Mom | This Outnumbered Mama
115+ Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids with Hyperlexia | And Next Comes L
Best Sensory Swings for Kids | Parenting Chaos
Great Gifts for Children with Anxiety | Raising Lifelong Learners
That's wonderful that you've been able to replace Santa with another lovely tradition for Princess. I never knew much about The Nutcracker story until we got a copy of Barbie in the Nutcracker movie. My girls love it - it's now a Christmas staple in our house! I wish your family all the very best for Christmas Renae x
ReplyDeleteLots of nice ideas here. There are so many beautiful nutcracker-themed gift ideas on this website too: https://www.balletgiftshop.com
ReplyDeleteMany items can be customized - in case you need some new ideas for this year!