Assyrian Traditional Khomala: We celebrate most of our occasions such as weddings, cultural events, and celebrations with the beauty of multi-colored Khomala clothing. Assyrian Khomala clothing holds an essential role in presenting our cultural values and helping the rich heritage of the Assyrian people thrive. The most important pieces of Khomala clothing are: Teta, an elegant headpiece; Hayasa, a fabulous belt; Poshiya, a traditional headscarf; feathers with colorful attracting colors; and many other accessories that make it an iconic symbol of Assyrian heritage. Assyrians are from the region of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.

Tree decorated by Motwa, the Assyrian National Council of Illinois.

Summer is in full swing during the Christmas season in Australia. This tree has been designed to celebrate the diversity of the Australian landscape, from the snow-capped mountains of Tasmania to the tropical reefs of Queensland and beyond. On this tree, you’ll also find a koala taking a nap and some kangaroos bouncing down below. See what other native animals you can spot! If you look closely enough, you might even see trinkets from Australia's neighbor and friend New Zealand.

Tree decorated by the Aussies X Chicago.

To celebrate Austrian pride, pinecones, red and white heart-shaped plaques—depicting cities, provinces and famous Austrians—decorate the tree. The beloved Christmas carol "Stille Nacht" ("Silent Night") was composed in a chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, in 1818. To honor that history, a sketch of the chapel is displayed on the tree. And no traditional Austrian Christmas tree is complete without sugar-filled paper tassels. Families gather on Christmas Eve to enjoy dinner, featuring baked or fried carp. Christkind (Christ child), often a young woman dressed in robes, visits Austrian homes to give gifts to children.

Tree decorated by members of the Austrian Mixed Chorus and American Friends of Austria.

Our tree is decorated with dolls in traditional clothing, angels and animals made from flax and golden straw which are common Belarusian souvenirs. The tree is complemented by other ornaments made by enthusiastic volunteers.

In addition to celebrating Christmas and New Year, some Belarusians also celebrate Kaliady (between Christmas and Epiphany), a winter festival dating back to pagan times. Many dress in elaborate animal costumes, knock on doors, sing songs, and give well-wishes to everyone. Kutia (sweet wheat pudding with fruits and honey), salty herring, vinihret (beet salad), and other savory and sweet dishes grace the holiday table.

Tree decorated by friendly Belarusians.

Each year, this tree features a mix of traditional decorations that one might find on the tree of any Belgian family, along with other items that represent and celebrate current events in this country. During the holidays, families enjoy baking—and eating!—waffles, speculoos (spiced cookies shaped like St. Nicholas) and bûche de Noël (a Yule log cake).

Tree decorated by Belgians and friends of Belgium.

This tree displays wooden doves, painted white to symbolize peace. Handmade wooden boat ornaments represent the country’s maritime culture. Other ornaments include Belize-grown dried flowers, which resemble acorns, and handmade dolls. For the nine evenings of Las Posadas (celebrated by Mestizo culture), people carry statues of Mary and Joseph throughout town, from home to home, accompanied by music, dance, fireworks and other festivities. In Garifuna culture, the Charikanari dance interprets the relationship of a bull and a hunter with elaborate costumes, fun and games. Creole communities in Belize celebrate the Bram, a parade of dancing, singing and music-making throughout the countryside.

Tree decorated by the Richards Family, Harris Family and Fant Family.

The Bolivia tree is a cultural tree that represents the three main regions of Bolivia: high plains, valleys and low plains. The ornaments include furry llamas, totora boats, corn-husk dolls, sombreros and native Cholita dolls. In Bolivia, Christmas centers on the birth of Jesus. This religious holiday is spent with family and celebrated with special dinners consisting of picana, empanadas, salads, and a variety of tropical fruits. Enjoy the beauty of the Bolivia Christmas tree!

Tree decorated by Bolivian family and friends in the Chicagoland area. Special thanks to the Escobar, Berger, Leonardi, Garron, and Glosner families.

On February 8, 1984, Sarajevo awoke to more than 30 inches of newly fallen, glistening white snow. The first snow of the season was the perfect backdrop for the XIV Winter Olympic Games. This year, on the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Winter Olympics, we celebrate and commemorate that indomitable spirit of the games—of Unity, Global Brotherhood, Peace, and Friendship. Join our mascot, Vučko, as he enjoys the snow-capped mountains and winter sports with all his friends.

Tree decorated by the Bosnian Herzegovinian American Community Center.

This tree exemplifies Bulgaria's unique and ancient winter traditions. Starting at midnight on Christmas Eve, koledari (carolers) roam through villages warding off evil spirits. As the New Year begins, people gently pat each other on their backs with survachka (decorated dogwood branches) and recite short verses wishing them well. Kukeri (masked, furry monsters) dance on the streets inviting good luck and scaring away the evil eye. To welcome spring and the new circle of life, people wear martenitsa, made from white strands for purity and red strands for life and passion. This tree's handcrafted ornaments depict Bulgaria's ethnicity and folklore.

Tree decorated by members of the Chicago Bulgarian community.

Canada is a mosaic of peoples: there is no Canada-specific way of decorating for Christmas. For this tree, we have collected items from each Province and Territory, and we proudly feel it represents Canada from coast to coast.

Tree decorated by the Canadian Women’s Club of Chicago.

This tree celebrates the Year of the Dragon, and the paper origami ornaments and lanterns were made by a local Girl Scout troop. These adornments showcase the special art of paper folding, which is a tradition during the holiday season. This art has been passed on for centuries and provides unity among the young and old as a way to decorate for special holidays. The lanterns represent light, leading the way to brighter horizons. Lanterns are historically created for China’s Lantern Festival, which typically takes place in February or March.

Tree decorated by the Chinese American Civic Council of Chicago.

This tree features dolls representing the typical outfits of each region of Colombia. The holiday season begins with Immaculate Conception Day on December 8 and ends with Three Kings Day on January 6. On December 14, families begin to construct lavish nativity scenes, but baby Jesus is not placed in the manger until Christmas Eve. Following midnight mass, families gather to enjoy a Christmas Eve feast. Gifts—sweets or small toys left under children’s beds—are given by baby Jesus, although Santa has become popular in recent years.

Tree decorated by the Colombian America Cultural Center.