There are usually numerous events going on around campus during the Christmas season; however, COVID-19 has put a halt on many.
This year there was no candlelight service when lighting President Greg Christy’s Christmas tree and many dorm events were canceled, such as Coly Christmas and caroling around the dorms.
The school and students have done a good job of trying to make up for this. On Thursday, Dec. 3, the Student Activities Association hosted a campus Christmas. Dozens of students attended the event and partook in making ornaments, putting puzzles together, playing card games, drinking Mexican hot chocolate and taking pictures in PGC’s convertible sleigh. Throughout the night, friends were able to mingle and enjoy one of the few recent events on campus.
Elizabeth Korver, a sophomore social work major, said, “I’m glad that the college is still doing events to get people more involved on campus despite the difficulty of planning around the COVID-19 guidelines.”
However, some students think they haven’t done enough.
Noah Smith, sophomore biblical and theological studies major, said, “I’m sad we couldn’t have Coly Christmas this year. I was convinced to participate in it las year and had a lot of fun,” said sophomore biblical and theological studies major Noah Smith. “Why couldn’t have it even if we were all masked up? I feel it would have been no different than if someone gives a prospect student a tour of the building.”
Looking around campus, it’s easy to see everyone getting into the festive spirit. Lights are wrapping around buildings, wreaths have been hung on buildings, President Christy’s Christmas tree has been lit and Christmas music has not stopped playing out of Zwemer Tower.
The decorations aren’t just on the outside of buildings. Sophomore sport management major Becca Nevin said, “My roommate and I decked out our room with Christmas lights and decorated our door and window to put us in the holiday spirit.”
Walking through the dorms, you can see Christmas lights strung, trees decorated and the buzzing of air pumps filling inflatable Santas and snowmen.
The rest of the town hasn’t skipped out either. With a walk downtown, one will find lights hanging above the streets and stores being decorated. Even though events look different this year, students can still find joy through friends and Christmas decorating.
