Let there be light 

WWU students gather to light the Christmas tree

Students, faculty, and staff gathered beside Kellogg Hall on the College Place campus of Walla Walla University on November 30 for the annual Christmas tree lighting party hosted by the student life department. 

Associated Students of Walla Walla University provided hot drinks like tea, apple cider, and hot chocolate as well as cookies for attendants to enjoy while singing Christmas carols and participating in the traditional ugly Christmas sweater contest. 

The crowd seemed cheerful and filled with holiday spirit despite the oddly warm 60 degree evening. Last year’s Christmas tree lighting party was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, and attendants were happy to finally celebrate Christmas together.

“It was such a joy to kick off the Christmas season with our students. Doing something ‘normal’ is good for the soul!” said Sharryl Toews, executive assistant to the vice president of student life. “We hope everyone left feeling joy and courage as they headed into the last few weeks of fall quarter.”

Posted December 9, 2021. 

Paper snowflake on a window with Christmas lights behind the glass.
“It was such a joy to kick off the Christmas season with our students. Doing something ‘normal’ is good for the soul!” said Sharryl Toews, executive assistant to the vice president of student life.