When it comes to Christmas, I am that girl—like carols the day after Halloween and binge-watching 14 versions of A Christmas Carol kind of girl. I would put up my Christmas tree on November 1, if I thought I could get away with it. But as a Catholic, a big part of embracing Christmas for all it offers is remembering what Christmas is truly all about. Now, I don’t think I need to retell the Christmas story. Instead, let's just get right to talking about some of the fun and meaningful ways you can celebrate the Christmas season on campus before heading home on winter break (whether you're actively involved in your faith or not).
Faith-related ceremonies and events
It shouldn’t take long to find Christmas events on and around campus, including Christmas liturgies, community nativity scenes, or perhaps even a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” (or just the obligatory “Hallelujah Chorus!). You might be able to participate in Christmas masses directly, through campus liturgical ministry. Or if you joined a music ministry, you might plan Christmas repertoires and performances. You can also join in on informal Christmas choirs or simply enjoy from the audience. There’s also something special and solemnly beautiful about a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and many Catholic colleges offer midnight Masses at their campus chapels or Catholic student groups might arrange a trip off campus to attend one.
Related: How to Live and Grow in Your Faith on a College Campus
Volunteer work
During the holidays, you’ll find ample volunteer opportunities, on campus and off, coordinated by both Catholic and secular groups. Whether you’re collecting nonperishables or warm hats, gloves, and scarves, organizing a fundraising dinner or serving one to the poor, there’s a charity effort for any schedule, interest, and ability. Ask your school’s office of student, spiritual, or Catholic life/Newman Center for volunteer ideas and plans. Don’t forget: While it’s a blessing that so many people feel inclined to give their time and money around the holidays, food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescue associations, etc., need volunteers and donations all year long—and your Catholic campus ministry can help you stay involved! You may also want to look into scholarships related to service activities, like the Bishop Maher Catholic Leadership Scholarship at the University of San Diego, or the Service to the Faith scholarship offered by Avila University to give back and get back.
So, during this season of twinkling lights and tinsel, in between the snazzy holiday parties and the scramble to find the perfect present, you can find plenty of ways to reconnect with and celebrate your faith on campus. All you need do is look around! And with that, I leave you with that timeless scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas, when Linus, with eloquence well beyond his years (and security blanket), explains “what Christmas is all about.”
Merry Christmas from everyone at CollegeXpress! Explore more advice on college and faith in our Catholic Colleges and Universities section now.
