Tradition wrapped in joy

Christmas on Campus at the University of Dayton holds a kind of holiday magic that is like no other. It goes far beyond lights, games, carolers and cookies. The feeling of stepping into a space and making a day exciting and magical for a child unifies the entire campus. 

This year, that feeling filled every corner of campus, turning an ordinary December night before finals week into something unforgettable. On this, one of my favorite nights of the year, I (unfortunately) did not have a buddy, but I had the amazing opportunity of being an “aunt” to my roommate's buddy, and I loved every minute. 

We spent a good amount of time in RecPlex, where we danced, played games and opened up gifts. The night was extra special as it was our buddy’s birthday! Being able to make it momentous for her was something that none of us will forget. 

I think we hit nearly every part of campus while bouncing from activity to activity. Our buddy's favorite may have been making slime in the Science Center with Alpha Epsilon Delta, the student health honors society. And she really enjoyed the performance in the Torch Lounge by Flying Solos, UD’s all-female student acapella group. 

I ran into several classmates enjoying time with their buddies, including Sam Swboni, a sophomore business major, who was volunteering with kids playing cornhole in the RecPlex gym with Alpha Kappa Psi, UD’s business fraternity. 

"Christmas On Campus is always such a fun way to take a break from studying for finals,” Swboni said.

“Getting to see so many excited kids with their gifts, face paint and hot chocolate reminds me of what Christmas is really about — spending time with the people you love and celebrating.” 

I was so thankful to my roommate, Vivian Ahern, a premed sophomore, who was kind enough to allow me to tag along for the night’s festivities. Her buddy said that her favorite part of the evening was “letting her do what she wanted to do throughout the night and letting her explore a college campus.” 

Seeing her get so excited to try new things and seeing the joy on her face reminded me why giving during the holidays is so important. 

Christmas On Campus is not just an event, it’s a reminder of what happens when a community chooses joy, generosity and togetherness. Spending a few hours with such a special child showed me how powerful these small moments of connection can be. It became a reminder of the true spirit of the season: giving without expectation, sharing joy with others and being a part of something bigger than yourself. 

Christmas On Campus is the kind of tradition that makes UD feel like home.

Photos by Julia Daschbach '26.