Hi, Jan here! With winter break finally upon us, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at all of the
activities at Monmouth. Last year, all students were sent home at Thanksgiving break and we
had our finals from home the following week. This year, the student body returned to campus for
the two and a half segment oh-so-lovingly referred to as “hell week.” Technically I’m pretty sure
it’s supposed to be referred to as “hell weeks” but give us a break, there’s a lot to be done, and
not nearly enough time to do it all. (As a reference, I made a spreadsheet with just assignments
and other work-type things that need to be done by December 31, and I got all the way up to 60
items.)
But enough of the oh I’m sad and I have so much to do, spiel. I did that last time! No,
this time I wanted to focus on something happy—also slightly bittersweet—but mostly happy! As I’ve mentioned over the past two years when December rolls around, usually this is a pretty busy time for me, or at least, it was. I used to have concerts, exams, and Christmas shopping. Then, after coming to college, I dropped out of choir and theatre things to focus on my classes and new passions. But listening to the holiday concerts and musicals put a bit of a damper on the holly jolly spirit. I used to be the one up there singing “Wassail,” but now I’m buying a ticket and mouthing the words behind my mask.
But as my roommate pointed out to me, there’s new traditions being formed all over the
place, both Monmouth-oriented, and just from my friends.
The first big one is the holiday banquet put on by the Association of Student Activity
Planning. The entire cafe is filled with Christmas lights, and trees, and wreaths, and poinsettias.
The student workers have antlers on their work hats, and the tables are covered in wrapping
paper. The faculty plate the food and guys, they had a chocolate fountain. I don’t think I’ve eaten
that good in weeks. My mouth is watering just thinking about that fried ravioli.
A tradition started by my friends this year was a Secret Santa and a game night. Was I
absolutely crushed in Mario Kart? Yes. Is the fake plant I was gifted by my Santa (because I
can’t keep real plants alive to save my life) my new favorite thing that I’ve lovingly named
Fozami? Absolutely. Would I trade this group of dummies for the world? I’d rather give up my
fried ravioli.
The last event that is actually put on by Monmouth itself is Midnight Breakfast, and is
actually happening tonight (as of writing this column). Midnight Breakfast is a bit of false
advertising, since it’s technically at 9 p.m., but the idea is still the same. After a full Reading Day
(a day between the end of classes and that start of finals that is supposed to be used for
studying), the college offers a late night breakfast for all the students who will be up late
studying and need a bit of a pick-me-up. And coming from a student who usually is not up in
time to head to breakfast before class, I am very excited for some french toast and hot
chocolate after I finish this next essay.
I miss all of my old musical moments. I miss lighting up the advent wreath. But I love all
the new things that I’m able to try out. I’m not sure if I’ll have another column out before
Christmas, so in case I don’t: I’m wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, and I’ll talk to you
all very soon.