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When I sit back and think about my family holiday traditions, I have some really great memories. Many of the ones that my parents had with me, I have passed along to my own family and continue them with my wife and daughter.

One of my favorites is going down to the Museum of Science and Industry each year around Christmas to check out their annual Christmas Trees From Around The World Exhibit. My parents started taking me as a young child.

If you have never been, it's an amazing experience. There are hundreds of trees decorated by different organizations representing nations from around the world. It's a great way to learn about holiday celebrations from several cultures. It's interesting to compare the similarities and differences.

The museum would also have choir groups from schools in Illinois to do some caroling. They would have little stores set-up to purchase unique gifts for friends and family. Of course, there are all kinds of other great collections to check out while you are visiting. Our day would always end up with a sundae at the little ice cream shop inside the building.

Over the weekend, a memory came up for me on Facebook from our trip there last year. It made me kind of sad because, with the current state restrictions for COVID, museums are closed. That means like many other traditions, this won't be happening in 2020.

Luckily, people will still be able to check out all the beautiful trees this holiday.

According to timeout.com,

"MSI is hosting live online tours that allow you to experience the festive exhibition from home. Tune in and admire the 30,000 lights that cover the trees as well as the accompanying "Holidays of Light" exhibition, which recognizes the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and more seasonal celebrations from around the world. During the free 45-minute tour, you'll learn about the stories behind each of the trees from MSI manager of volunteer projects Kristina Wilkes."

I'm glad we won't be totally missing out on the decorations. I'll definitely take the time to check it out.

For more info, HERE.


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