Students decorated the College Center at Crozier-Williams for Festivus. Photo by Saadya Chevan ’19.

There’s something special about the closing of the semester and the beginning of finals coinciding with the most wonderful time of the year. As I write this post, it is beginning to snow and campus feels wonderfully quiet—a silent beauty has taken over as finals season takes hold.

Every year, before the madness of finals has ensued, the class council puts on an encompassing event called “Festivus.” I love this day and this night, because the wonderful community here is accentuated with a common bond of holiday togetherness. Conn during Festivus, more than any other time of the year, feels strongly like a family. This year, the daytime events included a carriage ride and a fun run (with hot chocolate!), while the nighttime events included an elaborate holiday feast in the main dining hall. The dining hall was decorated with large presents hanging from the ceiling with clear string. Among the memorable highlights, there was a gigantic tower of bread. It looked magical, really. After dinner there was a concert and a dance in the student center. The performer was a group named Prince George. What makes this part of the night so festive is the well-known tradition that everyone dresses up. Amidst the ties, dresses, and Santa hats there is a profound feeling of joy. 

It’s important to note that dining services and the student council (who organizes this whole event) hope to positively impact each student with a meaningful and majestic moment before the final work ensues. I really appreciate the work that goes into Festivus each year. It’s something that all students look forward to and for a good reason. Festivus is not only a holiday celebration, but also a party to finalize the semester, something that all students are excited to complete. It is a party given to the entire student body—how awesome is that? I think it’s pretty wonderful. Festivus is another holiday tradition that each student can add on to his or her own traditions, but it’s also a moment in time to stop and relish in our individual achievements as college students while signing “All I Want for Christmas” and eating candy canes.