As finals are just around the corner, many students are eager to participate in various Christmas events.
Some local events in Arlington Heights include a performance of “A Christmas Carol” in the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre from December 12 through December 23 and a Winter Frostival on December 14 located in the Arlington Heights Historical Museum. At the Winter Frostival, people can listen to carolers, see a variety of winter animals, take a picture with Santa Claus, make crafts and have cookies and cocoa: all for free! Saint Viator also has its very own Christmas celebrations. There was recently an all school mass on December 9th that celebrated the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The advent season started on December 1st this year, with each classroom having its own advent wreath in addition to a larger one near the main entrance. There will also be a family mass on December 15, where all families can attend and visit Santa in Querbes Hall afterwards with refreshments and treats of hot cocoa, candy canes, donuts, and fun activities for the children. There was also Cocoa, Cookies and Finals for the freshmen on December 10th,where students were able to receive advice from teachers and students in preparation for their first finals week. In the past, there was a cookie decorating event in Querbes Hall during Flex Time, a caroling night with hot cocoa and cookies where groups of people would go knocking on door to door in the neighborhood singing Christmas Carols which could possibly happen again this year. During students’ theology classes, there will be advent prayers and reflections in the chapel as the semester comes to an end. In addition, another Taizé prayer service will occur on Dec. 18 from 7pm-8pm.
“We’re going to try to promote it because it’s going to be during finals. It would be a good study break,” Vice President of Mission and Identity, Mrs. Ann Perez said.
There could also possibly be cookies and hot cocoa provided to encourage students to attend. Traditionally, Saint Viator has also had an ugly Christmas sweater day, and this year it will be on Dec. 12. One of the main focuses is the Walter Payton Toy Drive which occurs every year.
“I really hope that students of Saint Viator High School join together to help make Christmas better for a lot of families in need,” said Fr. John Eustice.
Since there was not a fine arts assembly this year, one of the major kickoff events was the Winter Arts Festival, where students and teachers expressed their talents and donated to the Walter Payton Toy Drive.
“It’s just about that balance: how we let students practice giving back, how we let them take a step back and relax, and how we let them prepare and do well for what matters the most,” Mr. Levin, Director of Student Activities, said.