On Saturday, Carroll Hall hosted its annual Christmas celebration, Carroll Christmas. The event took place from 3-6 p.m. and offered attendees from the tri-campus community the opportunity to partake in new activities and Carroll Christmas traditions to celebrate the season.
According to junior and Carroll Hall president Will Calder, the event would not have been possible without the effort of organizers and the Carroll community. On top of typical friendly karaoke competitions and steaming mugs of hot chocolate, the event featured notable changes.
“Our typical horse and buggy vendor went out of business, so we replaced the beloved sleigh ride with our own version of Santa’s sleigh, a Ford F-150 wrapped with wrapping paper and lights all around the car,” Calder said.
Before the event's iconic tree lighting ceremony, attendees were invited to gather around a fire to roast s'mores with a view of the dome and lake. Attendees could also listen to live music as Carroll residents sophomore Tom Yevoli, sophomore Andrew Lorente Figueredo and freshman Joshua Haug performed Christmas songs on the guitar and saxophone.
In addition to new activities, the event retained several beloved traditions. Students had the chance to purchase Carroll Christmas sweatshirts outside South Dining Hall prior to the event and during the event. Fortunately enough, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves were able to set aside time in their busy schedule to take photos with students in Carroll Hall and hopefully grant their wishes with the final exam season right around the corner. Additionally, the event hosted an escape room activity, with a theme surrounding escaping the “Evil College Football Playoff Committee.”
When considering the success of the evening, Calder emphasized how many people came together to bring the event to life.
“I was not the sole organizer of the event. Carroll Christmas is a huge Carroll event,” Calder said. “Every member of Carroll helped decorate, advertise and plan the event. While I was the one making calls and planning some of the more logistical aspects of the event, it was really the Carroll community that organized the event.”
Calder highlighted how crucial collaboration was in executing the event. Students from all years were involved in decorating the dorm, with students working together to hang lights, set up rooms and create a winter wonderland atmosphere.
