Nutcracker cupcakes

 Ahh the good ol' triple bag trick works every time.  I recommend using only one dark color, so there will be less waste and if you need to make more you can because you will have left over vanilla frosting.
Also to make candy cane sprinkles, you can use your regular run of the mill candy canes. Unwrap them and put them into a zip-lock bag, make sure it's sealed well with out any extra air in the bag. Then with a rolling pin just beat the crap of it until you've pulverized it. Not only a fun activity but also very stress relieving. :)