Despite the warmer-than-usual weather we have been experiencing so far this December, it’s beginning to feel like Christmas here on the Hill. Jewell traditions like the lighting of the Cardinal Tree, hanging of the green, and lighting of the quad have fully brought the holiday spirit to campus.

William Jewell College’s annual Lighting of the Quad – an event where students and alumni come together to celebrate the holiday season and turn on all the Christmas lights on-campus – was postponed due to Jewell entering Operation Safe Campus threat level C Nov. 6. Originally scheduled for Nov. 6, the Lighting of the Quad has now been rescheduled for Nov. 13.

This year’s Lighting of the Quad has been adapted to be COVID-19 friendly. The event will take place entirely outdoors – usually, everyone is invited to a reception in the Union following the Lighting. The event is open to only students where traditionally it is open to all guests of the College and the entire community. Further, the event will be absent of activities that would require the removal of a mask or increase the likelihood of transmission, such as everyone singing carols, blowing out individual candles or having cookies and hot chocolate.

Though the Lighting of the Quad will be different this year, it will also come with new additions. There will be a parade preceding the Lighting of the Quad composed of Jewell students representing different activities. Representatives from different sports teams and Jewell’s spirit squad will take part in the parade.

The parade will also feature appearances by beloved members of the Jewell community such as Billy J and Santa, who will be played by a familiar face at the College. Student Senate elected Kiki Strecker, director of dining services, to be the Grand Marshal of the parade and flip the switch to turn on the lights.

The parade will start at Mathes Hall and finish on the Quad. There will be a small instrumental ensemble playing carols on the Quad. Students will be able to get glow sticks to have during the parade, and after the Lighting of the Quad has commenced, there will be goodie bags to take home.

William Jewell’s snow-capped campus.

With the semester winding down and the start of Christmas break in sight, students across campus joined in on spectacular holiday traditions to usher in the holiday season.

The week of Nov. 25 began with the first significant snowfall of the year. Teachers cancelled classes and students were forced to extend their Thanksgiving breaks. Students could be seen taking advantage of the weather and sledding down the infamous Browning Bowl on lunch trays or making the risky trek the commuter lot. Frozen toes and cold faces were ignored as the race to see who sled the furthest or the fastest ensued.

The snowfall also led to several snowball fights and the occasional snowman on campus. The wintery weather was a sure sign the holidays were on the horizon.

Students and faculty spread some holiday cheer Wednesday, Nov. 28 at the annual Hanging of the Green in Gano Chapel. The long-standing tradition included performances by the jazz band, the handbell choir and the choral scholars, who sang carols along with the students. Santa also stopped by the event and passed around candy as the chapel was decorated with greens for the holidays.

Student leaders prepare to “hang the green” in Gano Chapel.

“Hanging of the Green is my favorite because it features a bunch of really cool talents from a lot of people and it gives you that Christmas Spirit. I also love seeing Dr. Coleman as Santa,” said junior vocal performance major Blair Walker.

The night of Nov. 29, students gathered at the house of President MacLeod-Walls for the first “Lighting of the Cardinal Tree.” The large tree between the White River Chapel and the President’s house was lit up in festive red lights. After some caroling, students and faculty packed into President MacLeod-Walls’ house to enjoy hot chocolate and a commemorative ornament. A chance to pet the president’s dog was a big highlight of the evening.

Students gather to watch Dr. MacLeod-Walls light the Cardinal Tree.

Nov. 30 marked the most anticipated event of campus–the Lighting of the Quad. The Jewell favorite brought faculty, staff, students and members of the community to Gano Chapel for a chance to hear the Jewell Symphonic Band perform. In addition to several classical pieces, the band and audience took part in a sing-a-long of holiday favorites. The spirit of Christmas was truly felt as snow fell from the ceiling and the voices of friends and families echoed through the chapel.

After everyone was in the Christmas mood, candles were passed around and the celebration moved outside as the holiday lights were turned on at Gano Chapel, Curry Hall and Jewell Hall. The event continued inside Yates-Gill College Union with free hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and a meet and greet with Santa for children.

“I thought the band was very good,” said Jaylin Marshall, sophomore biology major.

Snow thrown in Gano Chapel during Lighting of the Quad.

At 8:30 p.m. that evening, the Jewell Theatre Company and jazz band performed “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The performance left members of the audience reminiscent of the true meaning of Christmas and the weary of a materialistic view of the greatest time of year. It also featured a strong cast and powerful music performances.

Members of the Jewell Theatre Company perform “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

In addition to scheduled traditions, many residence halls initiated their own festive events to help students get in the holiday spirit.

“As a first-year, I’ve enjoyed all the traditions. I really liked participating in the hall events to decorate the hall for Christmas,” said Larry Dahlsten, first-year vocal performance major.

Whether you prefer singing Christmas carols, baking holiday treats with loved ones or shopping for a new Christmas sweater, the spirit of the holidays is alive and well here at Jewell. As the semester comes to a close, take a little break from your essays and exams and take some time to participate in holiday-themed events before all your friends leave for the winter break.  

Images courtesy of William Jewell College.