Were you aware that the Nutcracker Ballet was not much of a hit when first performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia?  While the music was well received, the ballet itself was not an instant fan favorite.  It didn't grow to high popularity until the 1940s when it began to take off in the United States.  Over the years it has become a quintessential part of the Christmas season in America.  Come take a listen and see how and why it took off.