Marymount celebrates its annual Christmas tree lighting

By: Noelle Larino Photos: Marymount University Flickr, Marymount University Facebook

Father Tom blessing the Tree, alongside
President Shank and mascot Bernie

Huddled around a bonfire, Marymount students and members of the Arlington community wait in anticipation for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Located in front of the Campus Ministry lodge, the tree of honor is decorated in blue and

white lights, Marymount’s school colors. After the blessing of the tree, President Shank, along with the campus’s favorite mascot, Bernie, leads the countdown to the lighting. 

Marymount’s Christmas tree was officially lit on the evening of Friday, Dec. 1. 

        To celebrate the joyous occasion, local students from the Randolph Elementary school choir entertained the community with Christmas carols throughout the ceremony. The choir donned red and white Santa hats to add to the seasonal atmosphere. For many Marymount students, listening to the children’s choir is one of the main highlights of the ceremony. One student, sophomore Sarah McDonald expressed her appreciation for the choir during the ceremony.

        “My favorite part is seeing how excited the elementary students are to perform for us,” McDonald said.

After the ceremony, participants were invited to the Lee Center for refreshments and Christmas karaoke at Bernie’s.  At the karaoke event, students chose from a selection of Christmas songs to sing, the most popular being “Jingle Bells.” Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to Christmas stories by Santa.

Participants enjoying holiday
treats in the Lee Center

Later, everyone was invited to pose for pictures with Santa Claus. Among the crowd was a variety of audience members including the young and the old and both students and non-students.

        “I think it improves the Marymount community because the event lets us gather together to celebrate Christmas and see how great the campus looks with lights,” McDonald said.

The annual Christmas tree lighting unites the campus community during a time of peace, joy, and seasonal delight.  It is an event which brings together the entire Marymount community in an uplifting setting. Most importantly, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Marymount reminds us that the most important aspect of the Christmas season is to be surrounded by those who are cherished, whether they are relatives, or your family here at Marymount.