Nutcrackers were first carved by commoners as a joke because it was considered fun to make a little wooden king or soldier do the menial work of cracking the tough nuts. Today, nutcrackers are often associated with the Christmas holidays due to their whimsical nature and the popular Nutcracker Ballet.

• Size: 4.5 X 1.5 X 0.75
• Material: glass 
• by Old World Christmas 

About Old World Christmas: Each figural glass ornament produced for The Merck Family's Old World Christmas is hand crafted in age-old tradition using the same techniques that originated in the 1800's. Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved moulds available only to the Merck Family's Old World Christmas, before a hot solution of liquid silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.