One of my memories is how much fun my dad always had setting up the Christmas yard. It usually went on a special 2-part platform that had a hole for the tree in the center. If the tree wasn't tall enough, it went on some kind of booster under the platform. I don't remember the mechanics (probably because I was never allowed to peek under the brick-patterned drape). I was allowed to help design the tracks for the train (the big c.1930 type) and the farms, towns, and other scenery with the tiny houses, people and animals. It was mostly Dad though, creating mirror skating ponds and cotton snow. He also made a lot of the houses and things from kits during the year. He got a lot of fun out of it and kept it up on a much smaller scale until he was in his late 70's.