Slavica Sovan (far left) and family and friends decorate a tree Saturday as part of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.
Timothy Hiatt/For the Sun-Times
In France, children set out shoes instead of stockings to be filled with gifts during the holidays, according to a volunteer sprucing up the French tree. Although there wasn’t any footwear on the branches, there are about 40 drawings from students of River Forest High School in Indiana. They include portraits of French historical figures, landscapes, architecture and food.
Also featuring black, gold and sparkly ornaments, the tree is fittingly topped with a miniature Eiffel Tower.
In past years, former River Forest High School teacher and current France tree-trimmer Ricky Baron would bring students to the museum, where they would get excited to see their work on display for thousands of visitors.
“To make it to the big city of Chicago, it’s great,” said Baron, who now works as a consular assistant at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago. “And they’re very proud of it.”
A hard day of decorating requires sustenance, and volunteer Saitong Urramporn baked banana cupcakes for her teammates dressing up the Thailand tree.
With a desire to share their way of life, the St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church group placed jewelry, lotus flowers, bamboo fans, red and gold banners and a Star of Bethlehem topper on the tree.
As unofficial tree-adorning experts, the volunteers shared some tips for those decorating at home.
Use different sizes of ornaments, space them out evenly and consider tying the display together with ribbon said Lauren Akers, of the French tree team.
Think about hanging pictures of special moments from the year, such as graduations or proms, said Paula Berger, of the Bolivian tree team.
But, ultimately, you can do whatever you want, Urramporn, said.
“It’s your tree, so it’s going to be unique,” she said. “You don’t have to be perfect.”
More than 50 trees representing different countries and cultures will be on display in the main-level rotunda of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibition.
Timothy Hiatt/For the Sun-Times
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=672a19d3c645491d97f93552560048b0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fchicago.suntimes.com%2Fentertainment-and-culture%2F2024%2F11%2F02%2Fgriffin-museum-science-industry-christmas-around-the-world-and-holidays-of-light&c=15560792261831483425&mkt=en-us
Author :
Publish date : 2024-11-04 11:46:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
