Trees and Traditions

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Seng Dan Fai Lok,” “聖誕快樂” (Chinese)

The Chinese American Civic Council has been a part of this exhibit since its inception in 1942. The decorating committee is an all-ages group that includes Chinese students and girl scouts. Their tree celebrates 2026 as the zodiac year of the horse with handmade paper and felt ornaments featuring Chinese characters and sayings. Chinese holiday traditions include a New Year feast gathering friends and family together to exchange red envelopes filled with gifts. Decorating Team: Chinese American Civic Council

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Feliz Navidad" (Spanish)

The Colombian American Cultural Center has been participating in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for nearly 30 years. Their tree features dolls representing each region of Colombia, along with other festive decorations. Some people in Colombia celebrate by attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve followed by a holiday feast. Gifts are often left under children’s beds rather than under the tree. Decorating Team: Colombia American Cultural Center

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Sretan Božić” (Croatian)

Croatian Woman Branch 1 Chicago are celebrating their 25th year with Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. Their tree is adorned with licitars, homemade cookies made out of honey spiced dough. The treats are decorated with images that represent different parts of Croatia. Many families in Croatia gather on Christmas Eve to share a festive meal and light the badnjak log symbolizing warmth and family unity. On Christmas Day, people often exchange gifts and enjoy foods like sarma, similar to cabbage rolls, and fritule, a donut like treat. Decorating Team: Croatian Woman Branch 1 Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Veselé Vánoce" (Czech)

The Czech Republic tree is decorated by the Moravian Cultural Society. The Czech Republic has been involved with this holiday tradition since the very beginning in 1942. Their tree is decorated with handmade ornaments including gingerbread hearts, hand-painted horseshoes symbolizing luck and glass baubles featuring many other symbols of the season. Many Czech people celebrate Christmas by gathering with friends and family to share sweet treats. Baking braided bread, called Vánočka, and cutting apples in half to create a star with the seeds can both be part of holiday traditions. Decorating Team: Moravian Cultural Society

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Glædelig Jul” (Danish)

The Danish Brotherhood Lodge #35 has been bringing their Danish holiday traditions to Griffin MSI for decades. This year their tree is decorated with flags, dolls and other Danish items. Some people in Denmark start the holiday season in early December with Advent and the lighting of candles each Sunday leading to Christmas. Families will celebrate Christmas Eve with a feast often featuring roast goose and rice pudding. The pudding, known as risalamande, has a hidden surprise — whoever finds the whole almond receives a gift. Decorating Team: Danish Brotherhood Lodge #35

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Feliz Navidad” (Spanish)

The Ecuadorian tree has been part of the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light celebration since 1977. For nearly 50 years, the Cordova family has been lovingly decorating their tree as a part of their holiday traditions. This year the tree will feature decorations in the colors of the Ecuadorian flag — yellow, blue and red. One of the largest Christmas celebrations in Ecuador is Pase del Niño Viajero, a large parade featuring music, floats and costumes honoring baby Jesus. Decorating Team: The Cordova Family and fellow Ecuadorians

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Nofri Shai!" (Coptic), “Eid Sa'id!" (Arabic), “Merry Christmas!" (English)

The tree representing Egypt has been decorated by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago for 20 years. Their tree is decorated with ornaments featuring nativity scenes along with ankh which is a hieroglyphic symbol that represents life. Many Christians in Egypt are Copts and follow the Coptic calendar, meaning they celebrate Christmas on January 7. Traditions include decorating with lights and ornaments and attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Decorating Team: Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Happy Christmas" (English)

Daughters of the British Empire have been decorating the tree for England for more than 20 years. The tree is decorated with teacups, tea pots, crowns and other British items to represent their traditions and culture. Many families in English celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes with holly, ivy and mistletoe. Some people also go house to house singing carols. Decorating Team: Daughters of the British Empire

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Haid Joule Ja Head Uut Aastat” (Estonian)

The Aavik-Dawson Family has been representing Estonia for 25 years here at Griffin MSI. This year their tree is decorated with shields representing each county in Estonia and dolls dressed in Estonian clothing. Christmas traditions in Estonia include family gatherings, twinkly lights and presents. Decorating Team: The Olev R. and Esta Aavik Family

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Joyeux Noël” (French)

The Northwest Indiana chapter of AATF has been decorating a tree for this exhibit since 2013. This year their ornaments were created by students in Indiana and represent many aspects of French culture. Some French families will celebrate Christmas by gathering for a lavish meal known as Réveillon often held after midnight Mass. Decorating Team: American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Northwest Indiana Chapter

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Fröhliche Weihnachten” (German)

The German tree has been decorated by the Csapo-Meiszner and LaCour families and friends for more than 60 years. Their tree is decorated with wooden ornaments, Santa figures, angels, nutcrackers and other festive ornaments. Christkindl markets are common in Germany where people can buy gifts, see performances and drink fortified wine called glühwein. Many families gather on Christmas day to open presents, eat a meal together and attend midnight Mass. Decorating Team: The Meiszner, Csapo, LaCour Families and friends

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Kalá Christoúgenna” (Greek)

The Hellenic American Academy and the currently decorating team have been involved with Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for nearly 20 years, but their legacy reaches back nearly 40 years! This year their tree features dolls in Greek inspired dresses as well as the geometric pattern sometimes known as “Greek key.” Many families in Greece bake a bread known as Christopsomo (Christ bread) and kourabiedes, nut cookies covered in powdered sugar. Decorating Team: Hellenic American Academy

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Feliz Navidad” (Spanish)

Casa de la Cultura Guatemalteca en Chicago has been participating in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for 12 years. Their tree is decorated with handmade colorful fans, wooden cars and maps representing the landscapes of Guatemala. Christmas often includes a family meal and many people in Guatemala will make and eat tamales made of masa with a variety of fillings, all steamed in banana leaves. Decorating Team: Casa de la Cultura Guatemalteca en Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Boldog Karácsonyt” (Hungarian)

The Lee family has been representing their Hungarian roots here at the Museum for 15 years. The tree features painted heart-shaped Hungarians cookies along with glass baubles and handmade felt ornaments. In some households the Christmas tree is decorated on Christmas Eve, but children are not allowed to see the tree until it is complete. Presents are also typically opened on the evening of the Dec. 24. Decorating Team: The Lee team

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Gleðileg Jól” (Icelandic)

The Icelandic Association of Chicago has been a part of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for many years. Their tree is decorated with ornaments featuring Icelandic wool sweater patterns, handmade Yulelad dolls and many other symbols of the country. Holiday folklore in Iceland includes the 13 mischievous Yulelads, their parents, Grýla and Leppalúði and the evil Yulecat. In addition to folk traditions many families celebrate the holiday season with gatherings and lavish meals along with gift exchanges. Decorating Team: The Icelandic Association of Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Shubh Christmas” (Hindi)

The India Catholic Association of America (ICAA) has been participating in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for more than 50 years. Their tree features handcrafted ornaments reflecting Indian culture and made by Indian artists. People in India who celebrate Christmas gather for large meals making dishes like curry, rice cakes called sannas, Christmas pudding and many more delicacies. Some people attend midnight Mass, and most exchange gifts on Christmas day. Decorating Team: India Catholic Association of America (ICAA)

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Nollaig Shona Duit” (Irish Gaelic)

The Irish American Heritage Center has been decorating a tree for 20 years. This year their ornaments include items that represent Irish heritage, including thatched cottages, Celtic crosses, Claddagh rings and shamrocks. Irish Christmas traditions can include gathering for a family meal and many people will pop crackers, brightly colored foil tubes that contain paper hats and small toys. Decorating Team: Irish American Heritage Center

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Buon Natale” (Italian)

The Romano family has been decorating the Italy tree for decades. Their tree is adorned with ornaments in the colors of the Italian flag — green, white and red — handmade items and mini Vespas. Italian families often gather for a large meal during the holiday season which is celebrated throughout December and into January. Decorating Team: The Romano Family and Friends

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Chuk Sung Tan,” “즐거운 성탄절 보내세요" (Korean)

The HANA Center has been decorating a tree for more than 10 years here at Griffin MSI. This year their tree is adorned with handmade paper ornaments representing Korean history and culture, including Bokjumeoni (traditional pouches) and Deung (traditional lanterns). The ornaments were all made by senior members of the HANA community. Christmas may not be as widely celebrated in Korea, but the holiday serves as an opportunity to connect with family and friends during the winter season. Decorating Team: HANA Center

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus” (Latvian)

The Latvian School of Chicago has been helping Griffin MSI bring Christmas to life for more than 40 years. Their tree features straw ornaments known as puzuri, ribbons or prievites, along with handmade dolls dressed in folk costumes. Many people in Latvia known Santa as Ziemassvētku Vecītis, and often await his arrival on Christmas Eve while singing carols around the tree. Decorating Team: Krišjānis Barons Latvian School of Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Milad Majeed” (Arabic), “Joyeux Noël” (French)

The Naguib family has been decorating the Lebanon tree for more than 20 years. The tree features white doves, pinecones, ornaments and bows. Lebanese holiday traditions can include festive family Christmas dinner, attending midnight Mass and gathering to open presents. Decorating Team: Nelly Naguib and Family

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Linksmu Kaledu” (Lithuanian)

The family and friends of Bernice Kasarski, Lucille VeSota and Wanda Radavich have been a part of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light since the early years of the exhibit. One group member is the fourth generation of their family to help decorate. Their tree is decorated with white drinking straws woven into intricate patterns to symbolize natural straw that is typical of Lithuanian holiday decor. Lithuanian tradition includes Kücios, the Christmas Eve feast, featuring nine to 12 meatless courses. Some families place straw beneath the tablecloth to represent the manger where Christ was born. Decorating Team: The Family and friends of Bernice Kasarski, Lucille VeSota and Wanda Radavich

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Scheí Chreschtdeeg” (Luxembourgish)

The Luxembourg Brotherhood of America has been decorating a tree with Griffin MSI since 1984. Their tree features the colors of the Luxembourg flag — light blue and white — as well as ribbons, ornaments, pinecones and apples. Luxembourg celebrates holidays throughout December including St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. During this season Christmas markets are common, featuring mulled wine, festive foods and holiday decor. Many families celebrate Christmas at church and gather with family and friends to enjoy hearty meals. Gromperekichelcher or potato pancakes are often a feature of the holiday table. Decorating Team: Luxembourg Brotherhood of America

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Feliz Navidad” (Spanish)

Chicago Dia de los Niños and Finkl Academy have been decorating a tree for Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for nearly a decade. Their tree is covered in handmade ornaments depicting mariachi dolls, dolls wearing colorful rebozos and piñatas. One Christmas celebration in Mexico is Las Posadas, a religious festival about Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus. The festival runs from Dec. 16 to 24 and involves parades, carol singing, prayer and a feast of traditional Mexican food. Decorating Team: Chicago Dia de los Niños and Finkl Academy

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Merry Christmas” (English)

The Skolnick Family has been decorating the tree representing Native American for nearly 40 years. Their tree is decorated with ornaments that are inspired by Native American regalia, including feathers, mirrors, ribbons and bells. They also have homemade dolls, dream catchers and white buffalo ornaments. Native American Christmas traditions include celebrating with family, food and time together. Decorating Team: The Skolnick Family and Friends

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“E ku odun, e ku iye'dun, Emi wa a se pupo." (Yoruba)

The Akiwowo Family has been decorating the Nigerian tree at Griffin MSI for more than a decade. Their tree features ornaments, dried foods, games and clothing. Many Nigerian Christmas celebrations are a blend of historic customs and modern festivities. Families will sometimes celebrate by attending church services, exchanging gifts and enjoying a large feast, particularly of jollof rice, chicken and goat. Decorating Team: Akiwowo Family

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“God Jul” (Norwegian)

The Norwegian National League of Chicago has been a part of this holiday tradition since the beginning. Some members of the decorating team have been participating themselves for over 60 years. The tree features ornaments decorated in Norwegian panting style known as rosemailing along with woven baskets, candles and flags. Many Norwegians celebrate by baking Christmas cookies and singing around the tree with family. Julenisse is version of Santa Clause that evolved from Norwegian folklore about household spirits known as Nisse. Decorating Team: Norwegian National League of Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Wesolych Świąt” (Polish)

Poland has been a part of this holiday tradition for more than 80 years. The Polish Scouting Organization decorated their tree this year with handmade ornaments representing different regions of Poland crafted by past and present scouting members from 4 to 89 years old. On Christmas Eve, many Polish families gather for traditional supper known as Wigilia, meaning vigil. This meal typically includes 12 courses and often starts with a Christmas wafer known as an oplatek. Decorating Team: The Polish Scouting Organization of Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Feliz Navidad” (Spanish)

The Bonilla Foundation is honored to decorate the Puerto Rican tree year after year. Their tree is adorned with ornaments symbolic of the story of Christmas, including poinsettia flowers representing holy night, wrapped presents representing the gifts of the magi and many other items. Many families in Puerto Rico celebrate Dia de los Reyes or Three Kings Day, on Jan 6. Children put grass or straw in a box under their beds at night, hoping that the Magi's camels eat the grass in exchange for gifts. Decorating Team: Bonilla Foundation

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Crăciun Fericit și La Mulți Ani” (Romanian)

The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America has been decorating a tree since the 1970s. This year their tree features handmade ornaments representing Romanian traditional costumes from many regions. Decorators include volunteers from three churches in Chicago area: Holy Nativity, St. Mary and St. Athanasius. In Romania families may decorate their tree on Christmas Eve while enjoying traditional food and singing carols. Foods regularly found on holiday tables include sweet bread (cozonac), stuffed cabbage (sarmale) and pork sausages (carnati). Decorating Team: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Vesyoloye Rozhdyestvo” (Russian)

The Russian tree is decorated by American families that include adopted children from Russian orphanages. This group has been involved with Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light since 2001. Their tree features black lacquered ornaments that depict Russian folklore, matryoshka nesting dolls and handmade pinecones. Since many people in Russia are Orthodox Christians, lots of families celebrate the holiday on Jan. 7, following the Julian calendar. Decorating Team: Russian Adoptive Families

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Nollaig Chridheil” (Scottish Gaelic)

Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers have been decorating with Griffin MSI since the 1980s, but the Scottish tree has been a part of the celebration for many years. Their tree is decorated with dance shoes as well as Scottish iconography such as kilts, highland cows and thistles. In addition to Christmas, many Scots celebrate Hogmanay — the Scots word for the last day of the year. Familial traditions can include opening the front and back doors of your home to let in the new year and usher out the old year, and the first-footing in which the first person over your threshold brings items for a healthy and prosperous new year. Decorating Team: Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Veselé Vianoce” (Slovak)

FCSU District II has been decorating a tree since 1995, representing the country of Slovakia. The tree features Slovakian colors along with Blackhawk players, famous inventors and castles from the country. Slovakian Christmas may include a family gathering where carp is prepared as the main course. Some people also decorate elaborate hand painted eggs around the holidays. Decorating Team: First Catholic Slovak Union District II

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Vesel Božić” (Slovenian)

The Slovenian Catholic Center has been participating in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for decades. Their tree features handmade wooden hearts painted with popular Slovenian landmarks, poets and writers. Slovenian families celebrate the Christmas season throughout December. The lighting of candles, decorating of homes and gathering for festive meals are common traditions and potica, a sweet bread, is a popular holiday treat. Decorating Team: Slovenian Catholic Center

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“God Jul” (Swedish)

Linnea, the South Suburban Swedish Women, have been decorating the Swedish tree for around 25 years but certain members have been involved much longer. Their tree is decorated with ornaments that would have been handmade out of things found on farms and homesteads in Sweden. A variety of Swedish traditions are celebrated throughout the holiday season including St. Lucia Day (Dec.13), Juldagen (Christmas Day) and julgransplundring when children plunder the tree for sweet treats on Jan. 13. Decorating Team: Linnea, South Suburban Swedish Women

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Fröhliche Weihnachten” (German), “Joyeux Noël” (French), “Buon Natale” (Italian)

The Swiss Club of Chicago has been decorating the Swiss tree at Griffin MSI for years. The branches are decked with hand-blown glass ornaments, candles and tinsel. Swiss holiday celebrations vary between regions and families, but generally include family gatherings, food and gifts. Decorating Team: Swiss Club of Chicago

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Vrolijk Kerstmis” (Dutch)

The families that decorate the Netherlands tree have been a part of this exhibit for more than 50 years. Their tree is decorated with Dutch Delft Blue pottery ornaments along with wreath shaped cookies called kerstkransjes. Some families in the Netherlands celebrate the feast of Sinterklaas on Dec. 5. On this day, children put out shoes filled with hay and carrots for Sinterklaas’ horses hoping to find them filled with treats in the morning. Decorating Team: The Bos and Sluis families

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Krismasi Njema” (Swahili)

Team Kenya is made up of Chicagoans from the Kenya Diaspora and has been participating in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light since 2014. Their tree features ornaments representing common children's gifts including dolls, soccer balls, decorative masks and animals often seen on the savannah. Families in Kenya celebrate Christmas by attending church services and gathering with friends and family to enjoy food and company. Decorating Team: Team Kenya

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Khrystos Rozhdayetsia” (Ukrainian)

The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America has been participating in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light for decades. This year their tree is decorated with handmade ornaments that represent Ukraine's history of embroidery along with gold bells. Some Ukrainians gather on Christmas Eve for Sviata Vecheria or “Holy Dinner,” a meal featuring 12 dishes that represent the 12 apostles. Decorating Team: Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch 85

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Merry Christmas” (English)

Friends of the USA has been decorating the United States tree for decades. Their tree features handmade wood ornaments representing many of the states throughout the country. These decorations honor each state’s culture as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States. People in the U.S. celebrate in a variety of ways drawing on cultural and familial history. Decorating Team: Friends of the USA

Decorator Holiday Greeting

“Nadolig Llawen” (Welsh)

The Welsh Cambrian Society of Chicago has been decorating the tree representing Wales since the 1980s. This year it is adorned with symbols of Wales including red dragons, Celtic harps, dolls dressed in Welsh costumes and sheep. Holiday traditions in Wales can include celebrating Christmas with a family dinner and pre-dawn church service featuring singing. Decorating Team: The Welsh Cambrian Society of Chicago