College Consensus Publishes Festive Article Showcasing Holiday Traditions on America's College Campuses

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the winter season envelops campuses across the United States, College Consensus (www.collegeconsensus.com) has unveiled a heartwarming new article celebrating the diverse and cherished holiday traditions of colleges and universities. Highlighting schools that go above and beyond to create festive atmospheres, the article emphasizes how colleges are more than academic institutions—they are communities that embody the spirit of family, togetherness, and celebration during the holiday season.

From historic Christmas ceremonies to inclusive multicultural celebrations, the piece paints a vivid picture of how campuses unite their communities through joy and tradition. Featuring iconic events such as Texas Tech University's Carol of Lights in Lubbock, TX and Belmont University's nationally televised Christmas at Belmont in Nashville, TN, the article underscores the uniqueness and vibrancy of each celebration.

A Season of Unity and Joy Across Diverse Campuses

While Christmas remains the most widely celebrated holiday across campuses, the article acknowledges the broad range of traditions embraced by colleges. From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to more niche observances like Zarathosht Diso (Zoroastrian) and the Births of Báb and Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í), the article illustrates how campuses reflect America's cultural and religious diversity.

As the article explains, winter holidays are an integral part of campus life. While students may eventually leave for winter break, campuses light up throughout December with holiday magic, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Events such as Baylor University's Christmas on 5th Street in Waco, TX, with its live nativity scene and light displays, and Wake Forest University's Lovefeast in Winston-Salem, NC, rooted in Moravian tradition, show how colleges combine their historical and cultural identities with modern interpretations of holiday joy.

Featured Colleges and Their Signature Traditions

The article dives into a variety of festive celebrations across the nation, including:

• Baylor University's Christmas on 5th Street: A nearly 60-year tradition that transforms the Waco campus into a glittering winter wonderland, complete with a live nativity, performances, and carriage rides.
• Seton Hall's Christmas Tree Lighting & Mass: A campus-wide gathering to light the tree and celebrate Mass together in South Orange, NJ.
• Samford University's Hanging of the Green: A cherished event featuring candlelit processions, a campus tree lighting, and a holiday concert in Birmingham, Alabama.
• McDaniel College's Out of Darkness: A new tradition emphasizing multicultural holiday practices through luminaries, s'mores, and diverse community celebrations in Westminster, MD.
• William & Mary's Yule Log Ceremony: Dating back to 1930, this Williamsburg, Virginia event encourages participants to throw sprigs of holly into the fire to leave behind past troubles, paired with festive performances and decorations.
• Belmont University's Christmas at Belmont: A televised musical celebration featuring over 600 students, blending classical compositions with popular holiday music.
• Villanova University's Christmas Tree Lighting: A campus community gathering with festive music commencing the beginning of the season by the lighting of a Christmas tree on the Philadelphia campus.
• Saint Anselm College's Christmas Feast: Gathers the community together for a festive meal celebrating the season's spirit and reinforcing communal bonds in Manchester, New Hampshire.

A Celebration for All

According to author Carrie Sealey-Morris, "These traditions are about more than decorations or performances—they bring communities together." Many campuses, such as Villanova University and Saint Anselm College, highlight interfaith and multicultural celebrations, showcasing how diverse student populations can unite in the joy of the holiday season.

"By sharing these stories, we invite readers to reflect on the importance of tradition and community, especially during the coldest months of the year. Whether it's lighting up quads, hosting holiday concerts, or coming together for charitable giving, the article reminds us that the spirit of the season is alive and thriving on college campuses across the country," Sealey-Morris said.

For the full article and more information about these heartwarming holiday traditions, visit https://www.collegeconsensus.com/features/christmas-college-campuses/.

About College Consensus

College Consensus is a leading online resource that combines reviews from students, alumni, and experts to provide a comprehensive ranking and analysis of colleges and universities. With a focus on bringing together diverse perspectives, College Consensus highlights the unique qualities and traditions that make each institution special.

Happy Holidays from College Consensus

Contact: Jeremy Alder
 Phone: 919-698-3709
 Email: [email protected]

SOURCE College Consensus