As the holiday season is in full swing, we like to remember all of the wonderful traditions that the Elon community celebrates this time of year. The Festival of Lights and the Holiday Party at the President’s House are just a few of the many reasons we love our community. The following blog post was written by Elizabeth Bushelow, Elon graduate of the Class of 2012 and former university guide recalling her favorite Elon memory.
Elon around the holidays is beautiful, with lights decorating the central part of campus and an entire night where luminaries line the sidewalks and students gather to celebrate the holiday season. Elon is full of fun and wonderful traditions that students look forward to each year, like the luminaries, but in my opinion, none are quite as fun or exciting as the holiday reception that President and Mrs. Lambert host at their home each year.
President Lambert and his wife for all Elon students host the holiday reception, which occurs each December. Each year on the night of the reception, students line the hallways of our Moseley Center anticipating the short bus ride over to the Lambert’s house. Among the attendees this past year was our very own phoenix mascot – I was lucky enough to ride the bus to the Lambert’s with him. After arriving at the Lambert’s, all the students greet Mrs. Lambert and are welcomed into the home.
My favorite part of the night is getting in line to have my photo taken with President Lambert. All students can get their photo taken with President Lambert. President Lambert, complete with a Santa hat for the photo, waits for students in his home’s library. Students have the opportunity to also wear festive hats – including, but not limited to elf ears, Santa hats, and snowflake headbands. The best part about the photo? It gets sent home in a holiday greeting card. As the night goes on, the line for photos grows and extends around the driveway outside – it is a popular tradition!
Students then have the rest of the time to hang out and enjoy themselves. There are appetizers and food for everyone and punch as well. If the weather is as beautiful as it was this past year, you can even sit outside on the back patio and enjoy the mild December weather. Or if the winter decides to strike in early December, you can sit in the living room and join in singing Christmas carols. Students can leave at their own pleasure. Vans and buses back to campus run frequently.
It is always exciting to open the holiday card with your photo with President Lambert while you are at home for winter break. It’s a reminder of a fun and relaxing evening spent at the home of the Lambert’s. The holiday reception is my favorite Elon tradition because it is unique and different than traditions at other universities. After all, who doesn’t want to spend an evening, dressed in their business casual, hanging out with fellow classmates at the gorgeous house of our university’s president?
*Elizabeth Bushelow, left, with friends and President Lambert.