Concluding Thanksgiving break, Marywood will be kicking off their holiday events with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Wednesday, December 2nd, in the Rotunda. Every year, a twenty foot tree is selected and meticulously strung with lights, which President Munley has the honor of flipping the switch, effectively heralding the start of the Christmas season on campus. The lighting of the tree is followed by caroling, refreshments and the presentation of gifts by campus organizations and clubs. The ceremony is a favorite amongst students and the community and evokes fond memories of Christmas’ passed and anticipation of Christmas to come.
On Sunday, December 6th, will be the family oriented Marywood Christmas tradition Breakfast with Santa. Alumni, staff, students, and friends get the chance to mingle with Santa and his helpers, the Jingle Girls, and make their last minute Christmas requests. A photographer will be on hand for pictures with Santa which will be available for purchase, or those attending can bring their own cameras. The event will be held in the Latour Conference room where a breakfast buffet will be served. Tickets are limited to six per person to allow for alumni and their families and are priced at $17 for adults, $8 for children, with children two and younger for free.
An event that will be new this year, and targeting the adult set, is the happy hour and mixer sponsored by the Marywood Alumni Club on Thursday, December 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Hall of Fame room. Alumni and staff will enjoy the chance to relax, share a drink, sample appetizers and mingle after a day at the office followed by the men’s basketball game against Cabrini College. Also, alumni can find out about volunteer opportunities with MAC and how they can become a member of the advisory board.
Also new this year is Christmas in Scranton, where attendants will get to experience Christmas—Electric City style. There’s nothing quite like downtown and the square when lit from corner to corner and echoing the spirit of Christmas in every storefront window. The event will take place on Friday, December 4, with Father Brian and students meeting with alumni at Pizza by Pappa’s for a lively telling of the Feast of Saint Nicholas, who was known for his generosity towards children. In keeping with Saint Nicholas’ tradition, coloring books will be given to the children. Following the pizza and storytelling, alumni can get a head start on their Christmas shopping, and a chance to support the local economy, with discounts at various stores in downtown Scranton. With stomachs full, and pockets a little lighter, alumni can savor the night’s festivities while strolling through Nay Aug Park’s holiday light show that has over 250 displays requiring anywhere from 500 to 1,000 lights! Whether it’s the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, or Christmas in downtown Scranton, alumni will find all the elements that make Christmas the wonderful holiday it is: friends, family, and the spirit of giving.
