Spirit of Christmas expands for its second year

Posted by admin on Nov 21, 2007 in News | 0 comments

The Trinity Western University campus will be buzzing with activity in just a few weeks as more than 5,000 people are expected to visit the school’s second annual “Spirit of Christmas.” The event, running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, is among one of many taking place this year throughout the Fraser Valley as part of “Christmas in the Valley,” hosted by the city of Langley for the community.

“‘The Spirit of Christmas’ is going to be bigger and better than last year’s,” said Laura Busby, associate producer of the event. By extending the event from two days to three, the committee that planned “Spirit of Christmas” is excited to offer more performances and activities for families in the Langley community, as well as students and staff at TWU.

“The committee’s vision is to create a community event that invites visitors on and off campus to participate in a completely free event,” said Busby.

For this year’s “Spirit of Christmas,” there will again be a living nativity, which will be directed and preformed by TWU theater alumni, a craft fair, and a tree-decorating contest.

“Groups on and off campus are invited to sponsor a tree for $50 where proceeds go to the Salvation Army,” explained Busby.

The main events will be hosted out of the gym instead of the atrium this year, which will allow for “bigger performances and bigger crowds,” said Busby.

The event, sponsored by the TWU Bookstore, Sodexho and various businesses around the Langley community, will be featuring free food and events for guests.

“There will be free hot chocolate, hot cider, popcorn and other seasonal treats for everyone,” said Busby. “There will also be a free children’s activity center where young ones can make crafts.”

To prepare for the event there will be a workday on Nov. 22, where students and staff are invited to volunteer their time to help set up various parts of the campus to prepare for the Nov. 30 event opening as well as the following days of activities.

On Thursday, November 29, there will be an opening of the event geared towards TWU students. “This day is our opening celebration,” said Busby. “As well it gives the Trinity folks an opportunity to take an evening and see the living nativity and some performances before the campus fills up with families and off-campus visitors.”

“I would love to see Trinity connect with the community on a lasting basis,” said Taryne Lepp, a third-year student working as the venue coordinator for “Spirit of Christmas.”

“I think that this is an opportunity to showcase the school,” she said, “but more importantly, we will be showing people what Christmas is really about.”