Abigail Clark ‘26
News Editor
At the beginning of each holiday season, Holy Cross hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting celebration, sponsored by the Purple Key Society. The cherished tradition kicks off the season with a cheerful, collective event for all students to enjoy. On Nov. 30, Holy Cross illuminated the trees in front of O’Kane Hall.
The event began at 5:00 pm as students gathered on Linden Lane to watch the celebration. The Purple Key Society ran a hot chocolate stand, providing everyone a wintery treat. The Dinand steps and Linden Lane were packed with students huddled together, many with Christmas hats and lights. It was a beautiful scene of the community coming together in the Christmas spirit.
Before the trees and nativity were lit, the campus’ musical groups, Off the Record, The Delilahs, Fools on the Hill, Chamber Singers, and the Holy Cross Goodtime Marching Band, performed Christmas songs. From above the trees on the O’Kane steps, the musicians added to the beautiful, Christmas atmosphere of the event. Carly Hanifin ’26, a Delilah’s singer, says, “It really got me into the Christmas spirit to get through the last few weeks of finals.” The ceremony offered students a break from their busy schedules and a moment to enjoy the Christmas season together.
Following the musical performances, Father Hayes said a blessing over the nativity, reflecting on Christmas and calling for peace and an end to global violence. The ceremony recognized why we celebrate Christmas: the birth of Jesus. The Nativity stands in the center of the two trees, reminding the world of the importance of Christmas.
Finally, it was time for the trees and nativity to be lit. Accompanied by a loud countdown from the crowd, the scene was lit. The lights brightened the road and the excited students followed with an eruption of applause.
In a new edition to the ceremony, students were invited to enjoy a horse-drawn ride around the upper parts of campus. The College brought horses to campus to add even more Christmas spirit. As Sophia Mariani ’26 says, “The horse-drawn carriage ride was a really cool experience and the perfect way to end the tree lighting! It was fun to be able to gather with my friends and act like a trip down Easy Street was actually the streets of a Christmas movie for just a few minutes.”
For our whole community, the Christmas season has begun.
Featured Image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross.
Leave a Reply