Pensacola Christian College is coming to the end of another well-done semester, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” has been hummed more than once on campus. Christmas cheer energizes students as they pack for Christmas break and finish finals, White Glove room cleaning, and any remaining student work responsibilities on campus.
Making a Little Christmas
Before heading home for Christmas, students can’t resist celebrating on campus in their own way. “My roommates and I have decorated the room with a little Christmas tree,” mentioned Sarah Burrell (Jr., NC). “We plan to listen and sing to Christmas music during White Glove to make it a little more festive.”
“I love to go caroling with my church and giving little cookie plates to the elderly and shut-ins around town.”
Many students started celebrating Christmas at Christmas Lights Celebration, a traditional PCC event where students kicked off the Christmas season with carols that reminded audiences about the Reason for the season. “I just love the fact that PCC does the Christmas Lights concert,” said Caitlyn Dauphinee (Sr., VA). “So much work goes into it, and it’s an amazing experience. My favorite part is when the whole campus lights up at the beginning, and I love walking around campus with the lights on.”
While students love Christmas celebrations on campus, going home for the holidays is always a special treat, especially for those who look forward to participating in family traditions. Caitlyn, one of over 120 December graduates, is excited to return home to join in Christmas traditions with her church and family. “I love to go caroling with my church and giving little cookie plates to the elderly and shut-ins around town,” she shared. “My family has a tradition of staying up late one night to watch movies before camping out in the living room.”
Stephen Seel (Sr., IN) plans on traveling home and attending his family’s traditional Christmas gathering. “Every Christmas Eve, my family goes to visit my grandparents in the Spanish district of Chicago,” he said, “and it’s the best day of the year when I’m able to see relatives and family members that I’m usually not able to see at any other time.”
Semester Experiences and Memories
Although students are more than ready for Christmas break, they won’t easily forget the experiences they’ve enjoyed this fall. “My favorite events were the Dramatic Productions, the Gala, and the Sunday Reflections,” noted Walter Lovegrove (So., SC). “The performance of the music and dramatic storytelling at the Gala, coupled with the recognition of the most powerful influences in the legacy of the College were amazing to see.”
“One of my favorite events was the Concert on the Green. It was such a peaceful time to be able to sit outside and enjoy the music.”
The many college events have also given students opportunities to make memories that they can carry home for Christmas. “One of my favorite events was the Concert on the Green,” said Sarah. “It was such a peaceful time to be able to sit outside and enjoy the music. I wish that it could have lasted longer than it did.”
Looking Forward to the Next Step
Students will be setting off to enjoy well-earned time with family and friends, but there will be so much more for them to look forward to when they return from Christmas Break. Students like Ellie Kickbush (Jr., PA) are eager to see how much more they will learn from their PCC journey. “I’m so excited for next semester because I know that I will grow so much more in my craft,” she said. “I gain new knowledge with every class I take, and I have the chance to build my experience and portfolio. I’m also so excited because I know most of my teachers for next semester, and I love and respect them all! I know they will help to make next semester amazing!”
The months following Welcome Weekend have been full of fun and unforgettable moments, but the time has come for students to wrap up the fall semester. And when they return, they will enjoy a variety of upcoming spring events, including those that highlight the 50th Year of PCC.
Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! We pray for a wonderful Christmas season and safe return to campus in January.