The Valparaiso community is starting to get into the spirit of Christmas. Students at Valparaiso University swarmed the Harre Student Union for the college’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival.
Taylor Smith, admission counselor at Valparaiso University, has played a part in this event for many years. This is one of her favorite Christmas events to attend during the holiday season.
“This has been a staple at Valparaiso University for a decade now,” Smith said. “I had the opportunity to participate in this event as a student in the past. Now that I get the chance to co-chair the Santa and Mrs. Claus event, it’s nice to see all the families have a great time with these Christmas activities.”
With this being the 10th year that Valparaiso University has orchestrated this event, they made sure there were plenty of activities to keep people busy.
“There’s cookie decorating, a caricature artist, and a photo booth at The Bell and Beacon,” Smith said. “Everybody has an opportunity to be active and participate in a lot of holiday activities for all ages. It’s a fun way for people to get out of the house or dorm with their friends. This is the time of year to give back and I love seeing the community.”
These events are all about bringing the community together at Valparaiso University and making sure everyone leaves with a smile. Not only were current students in attendance, but this tradition is popular with many who have already graduated from the college.
“Tradition is very strong here,” Smith said. “It’s a big value of ours and we’re all about maintaining community service here. The positive connections that come from an event like this are incredible. This celebration has been great for 10 consecutive years and hopefully, it can continue to have that impact for 10 more years and beyond.”
Smith is grateful for the service opportunities that Valparaiso University provides for its students. Some of the students even volunteered to help out with running the event this year.
There might not have been anyone more excited about the lighting of the Christmas tree than Santa Claus himself. Students, alumni, and families of the Valparaiso community were all able to get in line to take a picture with him and Mrs. Claus. Santa wanted to see everyone on the nice list as well as capture the appreciation of what the holiday season is all about.
“The most important part of the holidays is being able to spend time with your loved ones,” Santa said. “Being surrounded by the people who care about you most is the greatest Christmas gift of all.”
After the tree lighting, everyone remained gathered around the tree and enjoyed a Christmas themed firework show to cap off the ceremony. All of the attendees were invited to a free concert in the Chapel of the Resurrection following the event.
If you missed the opportunity to see Santa Claus at Valparaiso University, there will be another chance to take a picture with him. The Valparaiso Women’s Basketball team will be throwing a Christmas Party event as they host Detroit Mercy on Saturday, December 21. There will be a holiday headwear giveaway and people can donate teddy bears to Toys for Tots.
For more information on Valparaiso University, you can visit its website.