Queens Museum brings out inner child with Christmas display

Published on December 1, 2008

Published on January 31, 2010

The Christmas: Toys, Tinsel, and Traditions display at the Queens County Museum is back, and eagerly awaiting kids young and old to visit.

“This is the fun part of the job,” says Director Linda Rafuse.

For over 15 years the Christmas display has been part of the museum, and eagerly anticipated by the schools. Rafuse says not only is it a tradition for the museum, but also for the schools to bring the children down. Already 300 students are booked for Dec.

The display always has its popular elements, like the story of where tinsel came from, the nutcracker story and the beginnings of the Christmas tree.

They also try to add something different each year as well. For the past few years transformer toys have been on display, and this year they have a Christmas tree display. The trees came from the ‘Tent Dwellers’ display the museum had over the summer, which were donated by the public. Rather than throw them away, the museum staff decided to use them as Christmas trees.

The children can also enjoy creating an old-fashioned paper ornament and they can take home magic reindeer food. “It’s such fun to see their faces,” says Rafuse.

The display is open to the public, free of charge for both children and adults. Hot cider and fruitcake is also provided, supplied by George Mitchell Insurance. “It’s also for those big kids who still believe in the magic of Christmas. It’s for you too,” says Rafuse.