We all know Christmastime at Boston College is the best—no matter your religion or spirituality—and so we are all anxiously awaiting the season to finally arrive. If you’re not from BC, it’s hard to understand why we love it so much, so here are just a few of the many reasons why:
O’Neill Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting
Every year, BC students gather in O’Neill Plaza for the Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with a cappella group performances, cookie decorating, and hot chocolate and cider. Even BCPD gets in the spirit (last year they blasted carols through their sirens), so it’s not an event you’ll want to miss!
Gingerbread Houses at Lower
Many people try to “get rid” of some meal plan money at the end of the semester—and what’s a better way to do so than to buy and make a gingerbread house with your friends! It costs about $40, and if you’re low on money, find a friend who’s looking to spend some meal plan money before the end of the semester.
Christmas Carols
Studying in a library on campus may be happily interrupted by an a cappella group making a surprise caroling performance where you are, and there are also many Christmas performances by a range of musical groups offered throughout the month!
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Sledding
Although BC may have a lot of stairs, one of the few advantages of being on one huge hill is the sledding. If there’s snow (which there most likely will be, knowing New England), there are a lot of sledding opportunities. Sacha Ramjit, class of 2015, hints that the “best hill ever” is the one from Iggy to the Robsham bus stop.
The Fair Trade Holiday Sale
We all struggle to find the perfect gifts for family and friends and have little time to shop either at BC or at home before Christmas quickly approaches. So, what’s better than having the Fair Trade Holiday Sale right in Lower to buy your gifts while also helping to support artisans who are paid a just wage for their work! This year the sale is on December 11, and you can find out more information here.
Christmas Mass
The Christmas masses offered at BC are unmatched, and the huge population of BC students in attendance makes for a warm and joyful community. Nothing beats celebrating Christmas like a Jesuit college!
Boston Festivities
Despite the frigid temperatures, traveling into Boston at Christmastime has its perks. Taking a visit to the Faneuil Hall Christmas Tree, skating on the Duck Pond, or seeing the Nutcracker are always fun ways to expel finals stress and spend some time enjoying December in Boston.
Santa Sightings
I have never before seen so many college kids dressed up like Santa as I have during the few short weeks between BC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas break.
The Christmas traditions at Boston College unite the students in a very unique and special way, and I hope you’re all looking forward to this season! Happy Holidays to everyone!
Photo Sources:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/schooltours/BSBostonCollegeUGSS/source/10.htm
http://www.thebcobserver.com/2011/12/06/bc-lights-up-in-christmas-spirit/
http://www.bc.edu/publications/chronicle/TopstoriesNewFeatures/features/holidayevents120210.html
http://blog.charlesgaterealty.com/365-things/?Tag=Frog%20Pond