Northwood takes the holidays very seriously: we deck the halls and hold a celebratory formal dinner that culminates with Christmas carols and Santa sharing presents with faculty children. During the weeks leading up to the event, we decorated the living room with poinsettias, fairy lights, menorahs, and a Christmas tree, finished off with mistletoe over the entrance. Students baked and decorated cookies for the formal. The band and vocal classes worked tirelessly on their performances. Everyone was fully immersed in the holiday spirit when the time came for the winter formal.
The night began with a dinner of prime rib, salmon and penne alla vodka, among other dishes, prepared by our food service staff. Patrick Callahan ‘18 read a prayer to bless the meal, and students enjoyed food from roast beef to pecan pie. Afterwards, we gathered in the living room for performances by the band and vocal classes, featuring song such as “O’ Holy Night” and “Now I Walk In Beauty.” Santa Claus (portrayed by senior Cameron Plourde) then arrived to bring holiday cheer and presents to all the young faculty kids. Santa was accompanied by his elf (senior Kylie Kroes) and reindeer (senior Kendall Dubin). The night ended with a raucous all-school singalong of “Jingle Bell Rock.”
After the events were concluded, students were free to socialize and enjoy eggnog, warm apple cider, and Christmas cookies, which had been made and decorated by students beforehand. Unfortunately, the Northwood tradition of horse-drawn sleigh rides after dinner was canceled due to legal troubles with the owners. The evening was a festive success, and reflected Northwood’s spirit as the holidays grew near.
The following night was the first night of Chaunakah, and a group of students gathered in the living room to light the school’s menorah.
