’Twas the night before Christmas break, and all across campus, every creature was stirring—cleaning rooms and packing bags in a ruckus.
Embracing the Holidays
Before going home to celebrate the holidays with family traditions, the Pensacola Christian College student body took time to embrace the holidays in their own way with friends. As a residence assistant (RA), Brenna Foster (Jr., NY) has taken time to spread Christmas cheer to the girls on her floor. “My RA partner and I took the time to decorate our halls, in hopes to make our girls a little bit more joyful for this Christmas season,” she said. “[Before going home,] I intend on spending many evenings walking around campus in the cool weather to just look at all the beautiful Christmas lights.”
While they’ll postpone a true celebration together, Makayla Sanchez (Jr., AL) and her roommates readied their room for the holidays with a mini Christmas tree and singing along with classic Christmas songs on vinyl. “Traditionally, my roommates and I actually celebrate Christmas when we return in January as we all leave at different periods in December and are working on final exams,” she said.
Being from Maine, Gemma Haughey (Fr.) wasn’t certain this time of year in Florida would feel like Christmas. “But there were so many Christmas events like the Fine Arts production, Christmas Lights, and the freshman class Christmas party that really put me in the holiday spirit!” she said. “[At home,] I’m excited to go caroling with my church family, listen to my church’s Christmas cantata, and spend time with my immediate family.”
Christmas Family Traditions
Christmas at home brings a familiar warmth to students who have been away. When he gets home, Bryan Paul (Jr., NC) anticipates visiting with extended family, sharing great food, and enjoying the chance to do some duck hunting. “I do a lot of duck hunting once I get back home. It’s something I don’t get to do as much since I’m down in Florida for most of the season. It’s something special to me that I get to do with people I love and I’m not able to see as much,” he said. “Plus, the duck poppers I make are really good as well.”
Thaina Pierre (So., Haiti) is looking forward to watching Christmas classics with her family, enjoying ginger tea and homemade molasses biscuits, and cooking through sleepless nights with her mother and sister. Until then, she’s thankful for time spent with friends in the Commons, sharing laughs and take-out from favorite local restaurants. “I am grateful God led me to PCC where I have the chance to learn more about God, myself, and other people,” she said. “I have met and will continue to meet some amazing people here and have some unforgettable memories.”
A Semester in Review
As a freshman, Skyler Ploszaj (CT) experienced several highlights during his first semester on campus, including catching a t-shirt at Eagles Fan Fest, participating in Christian Service with Joyful Noise, and appreciating the joy of Christmas Lights Celebration. “Coming from being homeschooled through high school, college has been a big adjustment,” he said. “Things like the PCC app, having an older sibling on campus, and [getting] helpful advice from teachers have been very helpful in my college experience.”
While Kyle Chan (Sr., CA) appreciated Christmas Lights Celebration, his favorite event was Eagles Fan Fest. “At Eagles Fan Fest, I really enjoyed getting to interact with the PCC athletes and getting hyped for the Eagles and Lady Eagles basketball seasons,” he said. “I had a great time hanging out with friends and the athletes.”
Wrapping up fall 2021 just in time for Christmas also means looking ahead to the spring. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to improve academically and spiritually,” Kyle continued. “Knowing that I have a chance to go above and beyond what I accomplished in the fall gives me great motivation to hit the ground running in the spring.”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from PCC! We’ll be praying for safe travels throughout the break, and we can’t wait to see you again in the spring!