holidaze

The Cut’s Advent Calendar: 18 Days to Go!

Photo: Corbis

Besides exchanging gifts and decorating the tree, another beloved holiday tradition is The Nutcracker. Here, a group of sugarplum fairies from a 1981 performance at the New York City Ballet whirl under a cloud of gently falling fake snow. With their elegantly pointed toes and graceful extensions, the calm scene is a perfect antidote to the Saturday-shopping hustle and bustle.