Hanging of the Green and Lighting of the Quad

Last week was Hanging of the Green and Lighting of the Quad on campus. Lighting of the Quad is one of my favorite Jewell traditions. People crowd into Gano Chapel to listen to the flute choir, chamber singers, and band play Christmas selections, and a member of the Jewell community share a Christmas meditation. Then we pour out in the Quad, grabbing a candle on our way out the door. Once outside, everyone sings Christmas carols as the switch is flipped and Christmas lights shine on the bricks of Jewell's buildings.
This year we shared the tradition with our girls.

Emme and I at the Hanging of the Green. She's enjoying a tootsie roll. I'm wearing antlers, and sitting with the herd, because I work in Student Affairs. Our boss plays the roll of Santa on campus...and we're Santa's reindeer. They lit up. When we all pushed the buttons at the same time, it was like lighting a landing strip.
Rory has seen Santa twice this season. Both times she has been so giddy that she hugged me tightly and exclaimed, "It's Santa!" She has learned however, that Santa is good for more than just a candy cane. This year she's announced she's asking for a dog and a kitty.
A fraternity on campus collects toys and donations for BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). The bikers came on campus to collect the toys and gave Rory a tattoo. Rory talks about the bikers that give toys to kids.
Bathtime Rory.
It's always fun to put something funny on your head and take a picture.

Brad and Emme during Lighting of the Quad.
Emme is not yet a fan of the man in red.