Oh- some more explanation for you, Adam: The little girl is Clara (or Marie, in some versions) and the duck with the eyepatch is her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. Herr Drosselmeyer is quite the eccentric inventor; and every Christmas he brings the most fantastic toys for the kids. But Clara is his favorite, and for her he makes a strange little wooden man that cracks nuts open with his teeth. Despite his unusual appearance, Clara is drawn to the little man. That night, while all others are asleep, the most magical things happen (including a battle between toy soldiers, led by the Nutcracker, and the sinister Mouse King and his rodent minions). If you are interested, check out the ballet with McCauley Culkin. He dances like a hammer, but the rest of the production is superb. Harder to find, but equally good, is the production by the Pacific Ballet company. The set and costumes were designed by Maurice Sendak. This production is a little darker in tone, but worth seeking out.