If you read my column in the last issue of The Setonian, I got to talk to alum through Phonathon. A question always asked is if we still have Christmas on the Hill. Obviously reply with an excited “yes.”Despite the generational change, Christmas on the Hill is a beautiful and magical night.
By: Chelsea Oliver
Senior Staff Writer
If you read my column in the last issue of The Setonian, I got to talk to alum through Phonathon. A question always asked is if we still have Christmas on the Hill. Obviously reply with an excited “yes.”Despite the generational change, Christmas on the Hill is a beautiful and magical night.
When SHU was an all female college, the girls waited for their dates in the parlors in Second floor of Admininstration. Their dates, most of whom were guys coming from St. Vincent College (then an all male college) would come and first pass the approval of one of the Sisters of Charity. They would then proceed to Christmas on the Hill activities. Lovely, right? One Alum rememberes a failed attempt of sneaking off with her date. Luckily, she ended up marrying the same boy years later.
Christmas on the Hill is my favorite SHU tradition. The campus gets decked out in the finest decorations thanks to Santa himself, Darren Achtezhn, director of food services. Achtzhn, and his elvestruly create a beautiful atmosphere. We all have a chance to formally dress up, a nice contrast to the t-shirt and jeans we see throughout the halls everyday, sit down for a beautifully prepared meal together, Every member of the SHU community is invited to participate.
With students and friends attending, faculty, staff and even some special alum give up their evening to serve the meal. Everyone is invited to the Mass and the dance immediately following dinner.
I must admit that I missed my freshman Christmas on the Hill because not all of my friends were going and I had other plans off campus that night; that might be the biggest mistake someone could possibly make. At the time, however, I did not realize what a big deal this is. Listen up friends: do not miss Christmas on the Hill. Even if it’s too late to sign up for the dinner, at least go to Mass and/or the dance and be a part of the greatest tradition, Christmas on the Hill will show you a real sense of community and the true spirit of Christmas.
With this week leading up to the event, be sure to buy a Christmas on the Hill t-shirt from the Graphic Design Club. Help Darren and his elves out with decorating one night, then get ready to dress up, eat up and light up the chapel. Dance the night away before we all have to go into finals mode.
And I promise, no one will try to come and catch you sneaking off the Hill with your date at the end of the night some parts of great traditions do change, but the best part, the community of Seton Hill, will always be woven into every fiber of this tradition.