| NEWS
| NOVEMBER 30, 2005
Holiday Highlight
Students celebrate the season
with tree-lighting ceremony
 |
| The Shorthorn: Sara Bookout |
| Natxeli Rodriguez, 2, sits
on Santa’s lap at the 19th annual Holiday Celebration
and tree-lighting ceremony Tuesday night on the Central
Library mall. Robert Ressl, father of Seth Ressl, assistant
director of Student Activities, has played Santa for about
10 years. |
|
By Michelle
Echevarria
The Shorthorn staff
Hot steam rose from cups of apple cider as a crowd of old and new
friends mingled, celebrating the end of the semester.
Cheers and smiles set the mood for Tuesday night’s Holiday
Celebration and tree-lighting ceremony, as students, families and
friends joined together in an occasion of lifted spirits.
Students and families gathered on the steps of the Central Library
mall, as Christmas carolers, dressed in 18th century attire, sang
of sleigh bells and reindeer, creating a scene of a classic Christmas
night.
Undeclared freshman Andrea Zarikian huddled with her friends to
stay warm while laughing and enjoying the festivities.
“It’s really cool,” she said. “I didn’t
think that it was going to be this involved and close-knit.”
Many listened as Mr. And Ms. UTA welcomed everyone and spoke about
the Holiday Celebration’s history and the upcoming Arlington
Parade of Lights.
Allyson Arnwine, Ms. UTA, spoke of how the pine tree that is used
as the official Christmas tree was planted four years ago. Every
Holiday Celebration begins with a countdown to the tree lighting.
As students decorated cards and ornaments, children had the opportunity
to meet Santa Claus. Giving a great big “Ho, Ho, Ho,”
Santa listened to some reluctant children who asked for their most
wanted Christmas present.
Samantha Sorenson, 11, said she wasn’t scared at all to talk
to Santa and hoped to get what she asked for — a kitten.
“Mom said ‘no’ because Santa was allergic,”
she said as her mother, Mardie Sorenson, gave her an disagreeing
look. “I’m having fun, but I want to decorate cookies
and ornaments.”
Nelia Cavalie, 5, who had already spoken with Santa, said she wasn’t
scared when she talked to him. She said she had a lot of fun. Cavalie
said she asked for a Barbie, but her father said the item at the
top of her list was a pair of binoculars.
Undeclared freshman Michael Kang held a decorated ornament and said
he just took pictures with his friends and thought it was enjoyable.
“It’s the Christmas spirit that makes me feel good,”
he said. “And it’s pretty cool how they make 3-D graphic
effects in the background of the pictures.”
As some people made their way to the table decorated with ornaments
and information of other cultures, others filled their cups and
gathered around the holiday treats.
Biology junior Mobolagi Odewole said this was his first time being
at the celebration and said it definitely put him into the holiday
spirit.
“I love it,” he said. “There’s a lot of
people who turned out, and the best part is that you get to take
a picture with Santa.”
|
|
