Lights flickered around the pine tree branches as they flooded the atmosphere with a hopeful glow. It was finally that time of the year, and all-around Grier we felt the holiday cheer. This past Friday, December 6th, was the Second Annual Grier Tree Lighting Ceremony. Students and staff, along with their families, gathered around the pine tree on the colonnade for the ceremony, a small moment of unity and bliss in the middle of the chaos of midterm week.
With bright twinkling lights, holiday carols, delicious treats, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, the event was a wonderful occasion to come together and celebrate the magic of the holiday season. It started off with a countdown led by Ms. Lawler, Head of School, and at 6:50PM on the dot, campus was illuminated by the twinkling lights around the tree. “It felt like a scene from a Christmas movie,” said senior student Elinor Caviedes. “Everyone clapped and cheered.”
After a marvelous tree lighting, the newly formed Acapella Club debuted their talents with a stellar performance of everyone’s favorite holiday classics. From the on-theme carol of “O Christmas Tree” to the calm ballad of “Silent Night,” their voices filled the cold winter air with the warmth of the holidays. Both students and faculty crowded around them to listen to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and sing along to the classic “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The crowd clapped and cheered after each and every song, appreciating the hard work and dedication from both the students and Ms. Hartman, the music teacher and club adviser. “We’ve been rehearsing since October for this event,” said Ayla Asgarova, ‘25, president of the Acapella group. “I felt really excited, because it was the first performance of the year. I can’t wait to participate in more performances in the future.”
The pair that truly stole the show was Mr. Bassham dressed as Santa and of course his helper elf–portrayed by none other than Dr. Findley in yellow tights. Students eagerly gathered around them to take pictures with the visitors from the North Pole. And those who had been nice all year long received a cherry lollipop from Santa himself.
Of course, no true Grier event would be complete without treats! A warm hot cocoa bar was kindly set up by the dining hall staff with hot cocoa, marshmallows, caramel drizzle, chocolates, cookies, and much more. “The hot cocoa made this cold winter night more bearable,” said 11th grade student, Zara Dawodu. “It was really nice to drink the hot cocoa while watching the beautiful Christmas tree.” The hot cocoa bar was the perfect way to end the festivities, with a sweet drink to warm you up while savoring the lively atmosphere.
As the event finished, students left with rosy cheeks, lots of smiles, and holiday cheer, as they headed back to their dorms to study for midterms. The tree stayed lit, and joy from the event lingered around campus, cutting through the stress of midterms.
–Happy Holidays from The Cricket!
