My husband made me a promise before we married: he would happily take me to The Nutcracker every year… until we had a daughter. Well, I am okay with that since Nora and I adore going together. I couldn’t let tradition wither away in 2020 just because of COVID. She and I decided we would invite just a few of our closest neighbor friends and their daughters over to our own Land of Sweets.
We hostessed a socially-distanced afternoon of crafts. The garage/driveway were the venue with a televised version of our beloved ballet running in the background. We had a ball, and ironically, it felt even more like the holidays than usual. There was card making for quarantined grands, wine cork ornament making, and Candy Cottage gingerbread decorating. You must have one of these–reusable, fun year-round, easy, great gift). We mamas enjoyed Christmas cocktails too. Recipe included at the bottom of this post.
Better yet, Nora and I get to enjoy a “Mom & me” encore performance since the Charlotte Ballet is going to keep dancing too.
They had to cancel their usual run this season for the first time in 28 years; however, being the creatives they are, they found an alternate way to offer us patrons a way to accompany Clara and friends on her sweet journey. Click here by 12/22 to purchase your front row sofa seats to a streamed version with a twist! I cannot wait to stick this in Nora’s stocking.
The Details:
– Tax deductible donations to support the company and view the film are only $30.
– There is an option to donate more for some special extras.
– The run is 12/23-12/26.
– Purchases should be made by 12/22 to ensure access.
– Filmed on location uptown
– Duration is about 40 minutes, with as many intermissions/pauses as you want.
I cannot wait to snuggle up with my girl–and hopefully my guys–for this one. What a gift. And it makes me happy to be a pinkie finger in the big community arm necessary to keep the arts uplifted right now. Don’t worry though, Charlotte Ballet, we’ll be back in our seats come 2021 ready to applaud again.
Recipe: Smarty Mama’s Merry Mule
In a pitcher, combine:
– 2 C vodka
– 1 C cranberry juice
– 4 bottles of ginger beer (I am loving the Maine Root brand–available at the Teeter!)
– Juice of 3 limes
Chill and garnish with:
– Lime wheels
– Fresh mint sprigs
– Cranberries
– Festive paper straws for stirring and sipping
