This year, the Auburn family rings in the most wonderful time of the year with the annual Holiday Celebration Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and University Program Council, the Holiday Celebration takes place on Samford Lawn following the Auburn Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Parade and features carols, the lighting of the tree and a speech by Shakeer Abdullah, director of the AU Multicultural Center.
The celebration also includes a presentation by Toys for Tots, which will be collecting toys at the event; the lighting of unity candles, led by SGA president Kurt Sasser and UPC president Victoria Dominic; and finally, the lighting of the tree by mayor Bill Ham.
And nothing says it is that time of year like hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and a visit from Aubie.
Miss Auburn and Miss Auburn University will lead a children's moment at the event, and music will be supplied by the AU Dean's Brass Quintet and the Auburn University Chamber Choir.
Rebecca Hart, junior in communication disorders and director of the Holiday Celebration, first participated in the event through Tiger Tuesdays and was assistant director for last year's celebration.
"I enjoy Holiday Celebration because it brings Auburn University and the Auburn community together to celebrate the holiday season, as well as give back to the community," Hart said.
Planning for this year's celebration was no easy task, taking months of cooperation and management.
"We started off with brainstorming our goals for Holiday Celebration and then how we would accomplish those goals," said Julianne Willis, senior in biomedical sciences and UPC vice president. "One thing we wanted to do this year is unify the spirit of the holiday season."
Planners are responsible for securing all speakers and groups that participate in the celebration, including Ainsley Carry, vice president of student affairs, who will give the welcoming address.
"From the catering, to choosing and contacting speakers, to ensuring that the invitations are sent out on time, to planning out all of the logistics and the agenda, a lot of people are involved in this process," said Olivia Hutchinson, undeclared sophomore in liberal arts and assistant director for the Holiday Celebration.
The planning committee began thinking of ideas and making time lines as far back as April, but actual planning did not begin until mid-September, according to Hutchinson.
The Holiday Celebration does not focus on one particular religion's tradition, but is intended to celebrate all holidays occurring this time of year.
"The celebration is truly about uniting the Auburn family in the spirit of such a wonderful season," Hutchinson said.
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