The Jean P Hayden Mauseum is living up to its mission of promoting Samoan arts and crafts
A 20 ft Christmas tree now in front of the museum is made entirely of local materials, with brown being the dominant color with just a tiny bit of green: coconut shells, coconut husks, dried coconut leaves, coconut seedlings and dried banana leaves.
The only non local items on the tree are the Christmas lights and trimmings.
Director of the Amerika Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities, Lauagaoa Mary Taufetee and her staff created the Samoan Christmas tree because they wanted to illustrate what can be made with local materials. 
Lauagaia said, “Wedon’t always have to use imported materials. We can localize and use what is grown on our lands.”
She said their labor on the Christmas tree is their expression of thanks and joy for the birth of the child Jesus, the gratest gift to humanity.
Last year the museum had a sleigh which was a popular backdrop fo photos. Theres no sleigh this year but the display will include characters from Lion King. 
The director said they were hoping to have one side of the museum near the Sogelau Monument display an island theme for Christmas including their custom made tree while a western and modern theme would be exhibited on the side where the tree is now.
However the Sogelau dedication was delayed so they’ve set up their Christmas display all infront of the museum.
