Mandy Waltz and her nutcrackers

Drummer Mandy Waltz, 28, is a Waterford native living on Lansing’s east side. Over the past few years, she’s become a familiar face in the local music scene, as she keeps mighty busy. Her main band, Rodeo Boys, dropped its debut LP “Cherry” last year while Waltz also moonlighted in other bands like Blaine & His Keyboard, Crystal Drive and Mic & Dykes. While her public persona may scream punk rock, her favorite thing is a bit jollier.

When I’m not doing music, I’m probably teaching music or working or reading. I’ve been getting into gardening, or trying to. Making meals and going on trips with my girlfriend. I love astrology and history shows and books, too.

But I’d have to say my favorite thing is my nutcracker collection. I realized I don’t have too much of a connection to tangible things, I guess, except for this godforsaken nearly 100-piece collection that has followed me around since I was 6.

Talking about it publicly is a “coming out” of sorts because all my close friends know, but in general, I try not to talk about it lest I creep anyone out (laughs).

The collection started when I saw “The Nutcracker” on a class trip when I was in first grade at Sandburg Elementary in Waterford, Michigan. I was just completely enraptured and have been obsessed ever since. I asked for a nutcracker for Christmas that year and now I get at least one a year from my Dad, but also usually a few spread out between friends and family.

The collection spans from plastic mini-sets from CVS to the gigantic handmade wooden ones that go up to your hip. I have quite a variety. A pirate, a skater, a cowboy, a cymbal player and a few snare players — given to me surely during my drumline years. Just a ton. I would’ve had more but I’ve lost some throughout the many years and moves and I think I left a box in Mt. Pleasant after I graduated.

All of these come to me from other people. I do not usually buy them unless I feel a strong connection to one. This is a big reason why I can’t get rid of it or recycle the wood or something—almost every one is a gift. Even if it’s annoying to move them from house to house, or put 100 things away after Christmas, I feel like a part of the person who gave them to me is in each one.

And yes, they all come out around Christmas. It’s quite a horrifying spectacle. Some old roommates have explained that having 100 eyes following you around the room is unnerving. I welcome the attention!

Plus, I usually feel weird around the holidays, but the nutcrackers never elicit any bad emotions from me at all. Oh, one last thing: If anyone is thinking of giving me one as a gift, I don’t need any more!

(This interview was edited and condensed by Rich Tupica. If you have a suggestion for Favorite Things, email rich@lansingcitypulse.com.)