Hundreds of members of the Elon University community gathered on Dec. 2 to celebrate the winter season, sing carols and witness the illumination of hundreds of holiday lights.
Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the program included singing of Christmas carols, the lighting of the Menorah to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hannukah, recognition of multiple faith traditions and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus for the young at heart in the crowd, including throngs of students who surrounded the pair for photos.
Visitors were also encouraged to use the #ElonLight hashtag on Twitter and Instagram to share photos and comments. Search for the hashtag on both platforms for additional images of the evening. You can also view videos and a photo gallery.
“I think it’s the coolest event we have here on campus, hands down. … It’s just something that everyone comes out to because they want to feel good, they want to get to have that community spirit that I think you can only find at Elon.” – Asher Weinstein, junior.
“It’s just the coolest thing to look at. … It’s one of the things I look forward to getting to see each year. It’s just a marvelous sight [and] there’s nothing else like it. This is a great way to unwind a little bit before finals. I get to relax and just really not worry about anything for a little bit.” – Thomas Lampl, junior.
“It’s really sad that this is my last year of luminaries because it’s something special that only Elon students do and it’s something that I’ve enjoyed every year I’ve been here. … Everyone’s just really happy to take a break from exam studying and just have a good time and drink hot cider.” – Madeline Carlin, senior.
“It’s sort of like a unification of all the different holidays of different religions. I think it’s very great to bring people together of different cultures. … It does sort of usher you into the spirit of the holidays.” – John Crowder, sophomore.
“It shows that Judaism has a light in all places of the world, even at Elon. … We get to light a menorah and show people that Judaism is still strong and it still exists. I think it’s really nice that Elon allows different religions to participate.” – Mason Sklut, senior.