By Hannah Lynn, Contributing Writer
Christmas spirit was in the air at Saint Leo University this week. On Nov. 30, the campus turned into a winter wonderland as the school held its traditional Christmas tree lighting and blessing of the tree for the holiday season.
The Christmas tree lighting event had something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age! There was festive music, great food, vendors selling fun holiday gifts to fill stockings, and even special appearances from the Grinch, Fritz, and Santa Claus that put a smile on every attendee’s face.
“The lighting of the Christmas tree tradition started before I was here, but the event used to be much smaller,” remarked Mike D’Ambrosio, mayor of Saint Leo. “It included the traditional blessing of the tree among other ceremonial activities. The tree lighting that we know today is new.”
When asked how successful he felt the event was, Mayor D’ Ambrosio reflected on the sheer number of attendees who showed up, all ready to witness a tradition that wove its way into the fabric of Saint Leo’s history.
“This was one of the most successful tree lightings that Saint Leo has had, and people have said this year was one of the best,” D’Ambrosio said.
Many people from the community, students, and staff came to see the lit Christmas tree and experience everything Saint Leo had to offer around the holidays.
For Brooke and Brianna Brinker, first-year students at Saint Leo University, who major in business management and digital communications, their favorite activity at the Christmas tree lighting was the snow globe that took pictures of the people inside, which spared lots of laughs. They also mentioned having fun sitting on the sidewalk and making ornaments for their Christmas tree with friends.
First-year criminal justice student Kendell Ryan said her favorite part of the tree lighting event was “the lights turning on the Christmas tree and the snow globe.”
Even with all the nods to Christmas fun, there were still reminders during the event of what the holiday season is truly about. Mayor D’ Ambrosio mentioned that the birth of the savior Jesus Christ is the reason for the Christmas season.
