Bryant Martinez
Mount St. Mary’s University was lit up with bright decorations and the spirit of Christmas, transforming it into a winter wonderland as the holiday season officially began. On Nov. 30, at 6 p.m., students gathered at the PAC in excitement of the much-awaited Christmas Fair and Tree Lighting event.
Students took part in a variety of joyful activities, and the PAC was a buzz of activity. The Gingerbread Competition and Ugly Sweater Contest brought a little friendly rivalry to the evening.
As participants showed their creativity and transformed ordinary sweaters and gingerbread homes into amazing pieces of art, laughter echoed throughout the rooms.
The wonderful scent of gingerbread filled the air as students created treasured memories to put on their Christmas trees by decorating ornaments. One student Paola Aleman (C’25) stated “Events like these make our campus feel like home as we all participate in events that allow us to have fun together.”
Everyone was guaranteed a magical evening at the Christmas Concert on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. The Mount St. Mary’s University Wind Ensemble and Chorale offered an invitation to students to join them as they celebrated Advent and concluded the Fall Semester with beautiful music.
On Dec. 1, the Education Club hosted a Hot Cocoa and Crafts event in a cozy setting. With activities like crafting friendship bracelets and key chains, hot chocolate and cookies, the Education Club offered students a place to relax away from the stresses of the classroom.
On Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., AMP sponsored the much-anticipated Christmas Formal. An evening full of Christmas excitement was promised with the theme, “Whoville Wonderland,” which included a photo booth, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a professional DJ as they celebrated the conclusion of the Fall 2023 semester.
The Terrace Complex held “Dec the Halls,” an event that encouraged students to get into the holiday mood by painting their own ornaments, on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The appealing decorations brought a personal touch to the campus’s decorations while expressing the spirit of the season.
On Dec. 1, from 7-8:30 p.m., the Environmental Club welcomed students to the Makers House for holiday cards and hot cocoa. Students made Christmas cards out of recycled paper and had access to a hot chocolate bar, festive music and the chance to cheer up their loved ones.
On Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., the Swing Dancing Club hosted its Chivalry Ball event. This event, which was open to all Mount students, gave them a chance to fully experience swing dancing culture. Wearing semi-formal dress, guests enjoyed a night of musical celebration with swing, waltz, square and line dances.
The Christmas Door Decorating Contest, organized by Orientation, will conclude the week-long festivities from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8. The ARCC and the McGowan Center were transformed into cheerful getaways that highlighted each office’s creativity and excitement of the season. Voting for their favorites in categories including Funniest, Most Creative, Most Mount Spirit, Capturing the Reason for the Season and Best Overall.
These gatherings brought the Mount St. Mary’s University community together as the campus was filled with the beauty of the holiday season, creating a sense of joy, unity and festive spirit that is certain to last throughout the winter.
Photo by: Kelly Blanco
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