Children respond well to songs and music they know.
Familiarize your child with Tchaikovsky's classic symphony, The Nutcracker Suite, ahead of time. When listening to the music, help your child identify where the mood of the story changes. Read aloud the original story by E.T. Amadeus Hoffman. This classic tale can usually be found in your local or school library and there are several modern versions available in bookstores, based on the author's story. Discussion topics can include the tradition of gift giving, the role of the characters in the story, and the difference between Clara's real world and her fantasy world.