For 20 years, Paula Berger has decorated a Christmas tree representing the “heart of South America” in the heart of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
A proud child of Bolivian parents, she carefully places handmade red, yellow and green ornaments matching the colors of the country flag. Among the 150 baubles are zampoña pan flutes, sombreros, cholita dolls, totora fishing boats and popular furry llamas.
“We have to tie them on with wire because the kids take them as stuffed animals,” Berger said with a chuckle. “I’ve lost a lot of llamas.”
The Bolivia tree is just one of more than 50 that spring up each year in the main-level rotunda of the museum. As part of the “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” exhibition, each tree showcases a different country, continent or culture. The display officially opens on Nov. 16 with the Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival, featuring the illumination of the four-story Grand tree.
Berger and other volunteers began adorning their trees on Saturday. To them, the annual event has become a family tradition that allows them to showcase their culture to thousands of people who come to the museum.
“It’s so special to me to celebrate our little country of Bolivia and to share it with others,” said Berger, of Elmhurst, whose decorating crew includes childhood friends and family members. “I just want them to know where it is and that we’re great people and we have wonderful celebrations.”
Visitors will also discover 12-foot trees representing countries from Austria and Belgium to Ukraine and Wales. There is also a Native American tree, Kwanzaa display and Italian and Serbian nativity scenes. The exhibition began with one tree in 1942 and has since drawn a variety of families, community groups and organizations from Chicago and beyond — many of whom have participated for decades.
The display inspires amazement and wonder in children, said Matt Porth, the museum’s deputy director of guest engagement. And visitors take time to go from tree to tree and read each informational panel.
“It’s good that many people can learn as much as possible about other countries and cultures,” Porth said. “I think that’s something we should all strive to do. It’s also good to have something that they know is consistent and comforting. What better thing to do on a cold day than get in the car, drive to the museum and take this all in.”
Visitors admiring the Slovenia tree will see cotton balls symbolizing the snow of the Alps, carnations — the national flower — and a finial topper signifying the steeple of a church. There are also items that can be easily found around the house like pine cones, apples and candles. That demonstrates the resourcefulness and creativity of the community, according to the volunteers from Slovenian Catholic Center.
Other unique ornaments include baked cookies and portraits of Slovenian writers and poets.
During the holiday season, Slovenians bless the house three times: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and on the Epiphany holiday on Jan. 6, said volunteer Slavica Sovan. Skilled bakers also prepare walnut rolls.
In France, children set out shoes instead of stockings to be filled with gifts during the holidays, according to a volunteer sprucing up the France tree. While there isn’t any footwear spotted 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 France tree team.
Think about hanging pictures of special moments from the year, such as graduations or proms, said Paula Berger, of the Bolivia 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.”