Luminarias bathed the Elon University campus in a soft yellow glow Thursday evening as students, faculty, staff and community members filled Scott Plaza for the annual Holiday Celebration and lighting ceremony, which featured Christmas carols and a visit from – who else? – Mr. and Mrs. Kris Kringle.
The Dec. 3 celebration included the attempted lighting of a Menorah, an effort made impossible by a cold breeze from the north. Groups of friends and family and colleagues huddled together, and despite their shivers, many in the crowd burst into cheers at the moment when tens of thousands of miniature lights illuminated the heart of campus.
The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life sponsored the evening.
Why was it important for students who took a break from their studies to brave the December chill?
In their own words:
“Being away from home and becoming a part of the Elon community, it’s nice to celebrate the holidays like this with a new group of friends.” – Greg Brzozowski, freshman, Tinton Falls, N.J.
“It’s a Christmas tradition that I’d like to continue every year, an Elon experience. It’s special.” – Kilby Fish, sophomore, Dayton, Ohio
“I think it’s a great way to get the campus together to celebrate the holidays.” – Alex Lake, freshman, Roswell, Ga.
“Coming from Peru, there aren’t these kinds of gatherings. This is something different than what we do at home.” – Paul De La Feld, freshman, Lima, Peru
“It’s a cultural event and brings in the holiday spirit.” – Andrew Stevenson, freshman, Greensboro, N.C.
“A lot of guys told me to come, that this was really nice, and I wanted to be part of a tradition.” – Jonathan Smith, freshman, Salisbury, N.C.
“Luminarias are one of Elon’s biggest traditions, and this is a good way to celebrate not only the holidays but the end of the semester.” – Amber Woods, junior, Knoxville, Tenn.
“This is a way for me to start the holiday season with my family at Elon. I don’t get to help decorate the tree at home!” – Kiva Nice-Webb, junior, Asheville, N.C.
“It’s an opportunity for me to spend time with people that I care about.” – Molly Strayer, junior, Lusby, Md.
“I was overseas for two years before this and Christmas wasn’t a big deal in Singapore. It’s nice to be back to enjoy the Christmas spirit.” – Lauren Culy, freshman, Raleigh, N.C.
“It’s a tradition here at Elon and it makes me feel proud of our beautiful campus. It’s also a nice break, before exams start, for enjoying our school.” – Tim O’Boyle, sophomore, Charlotte, N.C.
“It gets everyone in the holiday spirit by bringing the community together.” – Steffen Bredahl, sophomore, Sanibel, Fla.
“Every year I would help put up Christmas lights with my parents. We’re kind of like the Griswolds. Now that I’m at college I don’t get to experience that with them. This is the closest I get, and I get to share it with my family at Elon.” – Michelle Swinney, sophomore, Martinsville, Va.