As I’m walking down K Street to my office, I see new banners have been put up on the light poles — they usually promote some upcoming footrace or festival or what have you and I barely notice them. But I did a double-take this time because they’re promoting the Nutcracker — the Nutcracker! And it’s not extreme counter-programming — they’re actually advertising the December performances, which apparently require you to buy your tickets waaaaaay ahead of time. It hands-down beats Santa in October or Christmas carols in August.