I saw this in the bookstore this morning, and I don't find it noted anywhere here.

"NUTCRACKER" NATION
How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World

From amazon --

A lively discussion of North America’s favorite ballet--its history, productions, and significance . . .

. . . Fisher offers new insights into the Nutcracker phenomenon, examining it as a dance scholar and critic, a former participant, an observer of popular culture, and an interviewer of those who dance, present, and watch the beloved ballet.

More details at

http://www.yale.edu/yup/books/097468.htm