With finals arriving just around the corner, many students are wondering: How can we stay in the Christmas spirit during the last stretch before break? Christmas is a special time of the year for many, bringing bundles of joy and cheer into lives. The main focus of our school community this year is to give back to those who are in need this holiday season. Saint Viator has recently achieved the goal of bringing light and hope to the underprivileged through the Homeroom Toy Drive Competition that contributed to the Trolley Toy Drive. This special toy drive was aired on CBS Chicago on December 4, with students uniting together in a human chain throughout the first floor. This represented our school’s commitment of working together to lift up one’s spirit during the holidays. The whole school community worked together to make sure that children and families in need were able to have something under their tree and feel the Christmas spirit. This was not the only toy drive hosted at our school. Students and faculty have also donated toys and monetary donations towards the Little Elves of Love Toy Drive that was run by Student Council through December 5th. This toy drive helped provide joy to children who are currently in hospitals.
Another annual event: The Winter Arts Festival, happened on December 7th with the first ever Christmas Tree Lighting occurring shortly after. This showcased the talents of the Fine Arts Department with performances from the choirs, bands, and theater students. A few days later Cocoa, Cookies, and Finals for Freshman also took place on December 12th during Lion Block to prepare them for their first finals and allow them to seek advice from teachers. The festivities are not over yet. There will also be an Ugly Sweater Day to fill our school with Christmas cheer.
“With all of our events we plan for students around Christmas, we try to keep in mind the true Christmas spirit! We know students are juggling final exams, but also want to bring some Christmas Spirit to the school,” Mr. Levin, Assistant Principal of Student Life & Activities said when asked on how all of these wonderful events will ultimately bring our school community together. “We aim to be mindful of this so students can still enjoy their time at Saint Viator during Christmas break to spread some Christmas cheer during, what can be, stressful times.”
Saint Viator is committed to making sure each student feels the excitement of the Christmas season, while also reaching out to those in need in our communities. Christmas is an important time in celebrating the birth of Jesus, spending time in prayer, connecting with loved ones, and overall, taking the time to appreciate all the blessings in our lives. Mr. Levin stated the core part of the Christmas season, “All in all, when we can provide opportunities to give back to those who are less fortunate, we are living by our Viatorian Mission.”