KELLY STUDENTS MAKING CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS FOR GOVERNOR'S MANSION

BENTON -- Visions of sugar plums didn't dance in their heads when fourth-graders at Thomas W. Kelly conjured up thoughts of Christmas this week.

The fourth-grade students, who are studying Missouri history, will send 60 ornaments to Jefferson City to help decorate the 18-foot blue spruce tree at the Governor's Mansion.

The theme for decorations this year is a "Victorian Christmas" since the mansion is celebrating its 125th anniversary, said Mary Pat Abele, executive director for Missouri Mansion Preservation Inc. The organization oversees the holiday decorations.

"We incorporated sugar plums and different ideas of sweet treats with the other ornaments," she said, adding that the star ornament will be especially meaningful this year.

Kelly students will make three different designs -- gingerbread men, Victorian angels and five-pointed stars.

Kelly student Chris Romas thought it was cool to be making the ornaments while it was snowing Wednesday morning. But three of his classmates wanted to be outside playing instead.

During art classes, each fourth-grader will make a different ornament to be sent to the governor. Art teacher Sheila Williams coordinated the activities.

Even though it's still a month until Christmas, Michanda Gramlisch had no trouble creating a festive design. Her gingerbread ornament wore red mittens and a green hair bow.

Last year was the first time the students made ornaments, she said, adding that each one also received a personal card from Missouri's first lady.

All Missouri schools are invited to participate in the program, but organizers don't really know beforehand how many ornaments they will actually receive.

Some Kelly students were worried about what would happen to their ornaments after Christmas, while others wondered who puts them on the tree.

"Actually, the ornaments are saved each year," Abele said, adding that they are often used in other decorations the following year.

The Christmas tree often is the focus of the mansion's holiday decorations each year. This year it will stand in the curve of the stairway.

The public is invited to see the Governor's Mansion during the Christmas Candlelight Tours Dec. 1-2.