Christmas on Campus alive in our hearts
The 58th annual Christmas on Campus was a celebration of new and old, of tradition and transformation as the pandemic required student organizers to adapt the most wonderful night of the year, Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
While elementary school-aged students from local schools could not come to campus, the Christmas on Campus committee still collected presents and delivered holiday cheer to the kids. The committee also invited the Dayton community to come and participate, so the sounds of children squealing with delight could still be heard echoing between the brick buildings.
Festivities opened in Humanities Plaza. President Eric F. Spina thanked those crowded around the giant spruce tree for being there. "Thank you for keeping the tradition of Christmas and Christmas on Campus alive in our hearts and alive in the world," he said.
“Thank you for keeping the tradition of Christmas and Christmas on Campus alive in our hearts and alive in the world.”
Professor Jim Farrelly told the story of the first Christmas, as he has for so many generations of students, and the wise men arrived right on cue. Playing the part of the Holy Family were sophomores Karlie Severance and Ethan Snyder, who held in their arms Slone Dalichau, baby daughter of Bernard and Nicole ’08 Dalichau of Dayton.
On campus were all the favorites — live reindeer, ice sculptures, model trains, carnival games, ornament making and cookie decorating, thanks to the dozens of clubs who hosted events.
And while the weather this year did not bring snow, there was plenty of hot chocolate and cheer.
See you again next year!
