The holiday spirit was in full swing Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the University Center, as students, faculty, staff and their families enjoyed the Holidays on the Plaza. This holiday event was hosted by Chancellor Kelli Brown, Mr. Dennis Brown, and the Chancellor’s Division in partnership with the Department of Campus Activities (DCA).
Attendants were able to celebrate the holiday season with music and performances by students and faculty from the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. While listening to holiday music, they crafted ornaments, created mugs, visited the build-a-buddy station and took a photo with Santa Paws.
Friends and families were able to create memories by taking pictures through a holiday-themed selfie forest. These holiday festivities continued into Friday evening as well.
We asked students to share some of their favorite Christmas traditions.
“Of course, my favorite Christmas tradition would have to be Christmas morning with my family where we take turns opening presents one by one. I have a baby sister, so we still have to pretend that Santa exists which is pretty cute. The feeling of being together is nice especially now because I’m barely home, it’s special to me,” said Joseph Hile, a senior at WCU.
“My favorite Christmas memory is me and my siblings being tyrants and telling our father that I didn’t deserve my present that year and to take them back. My father then replied they are given out of love with no strings attached,” said Aaron Swenson, an undergrad student at WCU.
“My favorite Christmas tradition is putting up the Christmas tree. The day after Thanksgiving my dad, stepmom, sisters and I dedicate the day to all the Christmas decorations in the house. By the time it’s dark outside, we have our house lit up with Christmas decorations. We blast Christmas music on the radio and get everything out of storage. No matter who is doing what or when we must all be in the room for topping the main Christmas tree in the family room. The lights are beautiful and we still have all our childhood milestone decorations that we talk about as it goes up. The look, feel, and smells of Christmas candles are why ‘tree day’ is my favorite Christmas tradition,” said Madi Alexander, a senior at WCU.
“Seeing the gingerbread houses in Asheville is something I enjoy. The creativity of the children is a nice touch. There is one that represents the Titanic and I love that one,” said mathematics professor Andrew Penland.
Everyone at the WCJ wants to wish everyone happy holidays and hopes to see you in the new year!
