Ornaments bring back Christmas memories

When our three grown children were little, our neighbor in Chatham, N.J., gave me the idea to present them with a dated ornament every year that represented a relevant experience or event.

The intention was that one day they'd each have a collection of childhood memories to decorate their own Christmas trees.

Since ornaments (and, in a pinch, detached key chain bobbles with an ornament hook and bow) come in every theme imaginable, the suggestion has been simple to follow. For labeling, a Sharpie pen does the trick.

Our daughter's collection includes a gingerbread baker, angels, a violin, Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement, a guard at the Tower of London and other figures representing vacations and special interests. There's even a fish from her after-school job at PetsMart when she was a teen.

Our sons have ornaments shaped as a tennis-playing Santa, a soccer-playing Santa, a saxaphone-playing Santa, Waubonsie Valley High School and Purdue Boilermakers, just to name a few.

The only strike against me came in 2005 after the White Sox won the World Series. For a pretty penny, I purchased a commemorative ornament with a message, "Sox World Series Champions 2005: 1917-2005." I thought it was a perfect gift for our youngest child who is an avid baseball fan, always going great lengths to attend Cubs' games.

When he opened it, I sensed his disappointment.

"Mom," he said, "don't you know how much I hate the White Sox?"

The ornament has never been taken out of the box, but he'll remember it.

I got to thinking about other gifts that have created childhood memories that still crop up in conversation. For instance, when we lived in New Jersey, tickets to children's productions at the historic Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn have been gifts that keep on giving.

Last week when I received an e-mail from Naperville resident Veronica Porter, president of The DuPage County Historical Museum, I thought, "Now there's a gift idea."

Porter has been beating the drums to attract attendance and awareness in support of the county treasure at 102 E. Wesley St. in Wheaton.

Celebrating DuPage culture since 1967 in Wheaton's former library, the museum's doors could close in February due to budget cuts proposed by the DuPage County board, she said when we talked.

A TrainFest is slated from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 29 and Jan. 19. Miniature trains will run each day from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Covering more than 2,000 feet, the museum's HO-gauge train layout is one of the largest in the country, showcasing the Chicago and Northwestern; Burlington Northern; Chicago, Aurora and Elgin; and Illinois Central railroads.

On these two special days, members of the DuPage Society of Model Engineers will be on hand to show the model railroad in action. Visitors also will enjoy train crafts, activities and other railroad artifacts.

The cost is $3 for adults; $2 for children, students and seniors older than 65; and free for children ages 4 and younger. For details, call the DuPage County Historical Museum at (630) 682-7343.

Bubble Bash Blast

Bubble Bash Blast, the spectacular daytime New Year's Eve benefit for the DuPage Children's Museum, will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 with a countdown to noon.

This year, the popular event features Imagination Movers, an upbeat musical group seen regularly on Disney Playhouse. It will take place at the Paramount Theater in Aurora so more families can attend.

"Bubble Bash Blast still has tickets available -- we doubled our capacity for this year's event," e-mailed Lynne Jele late last week when I asked.

All tickets are reserved ($20 for adults and $15 for children) by calling the Paramount box office at (630) 896-6666. For details, visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

Day camp

Naper Settlement will host day camps for children while school is out.

Survivor Prairie will welcome adventurers Dec. 27 and 28, and Hidden Treasures is scheduled Jan. 2-4. Children in grades one through five can sign up for one day or participate in all camp days for $45 per day.

For details about day camps and future children's programs, call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.

Theater tickets and gift certificates to restaurants are great gifts for adults, too.

So why not wrap up an experience and top it with an ornament? Happy holidays!