[image id="9256" title="christmas around the world" class="size-medium wp-image-19544" width="200" height="300" ] Students from Grant Middle School in Corpus Christi were given France as the theme of their Christmas Around the World tree at the Art Museum of South Texas. Photo Courtesy AMSTX

CHRISTMAS FOREST AT ART MUSEUM NOV. 16-DEC. 18 — An old — and educational — tradition is back at the Art Museum of South Texas. After a 15-year hiatus, the museum is bringing back "Christmas Around the World."

Children from schools in three local counties are researching 30 different countries and using that knowledge to decorate the same number of trees, which go on display this weekend.

Area school students worked a week on the trees, designing and decorating them to represent the cultures and traditions of each country. The trees will be on display from Saturday, Nov. 16 to Dec. 18. The decorated trees will then be donated to local families in need.

Countries represented include Japan, India, Jamaica, Columbia, Costa Rica, England, Germany and France.

Visitors to the museum can vote on their favorites. Winning schools will receive H-E-B gift cards ranging from $75 to $300. The tree project was brought back by H-E-B and the Corpus Christi Junior League.

On Dec. 14, the trees will anchor the museum's Family Fun Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can get their pictures taken with Santa Claus while Mrs. Claus will lead story time. Public Library staff will be on site to issue library cards. The first 1,000 children will receive and H-E-B goody bag and book.

The Art Museum of South Texas is located at 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and military; $4 for students; free for kids under 12, TAMCC students and members.