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Every year, ��ο��Ƶ throws a Christmas party on The Quad, where students enjoy Christmas themed treats, engage in festive conversation, and are given a gift from Student Life on-theme with each residence hall. On a cold Thursday night, The Quad was decked out in Christmas decorations with fake snow amidst red and white striped trees dressed to look like candy canes as twinkling Christmas lights crisscrossed overhead.

A giant Christmas tree, peppered with multicolored lights and sparkly ornaments, stood tall with tent stalls surrounding the perimeter of the grassy expanse. This year, the event was combined with a market fair where students were given the opportunity to both buy and/or sell artistic creations as Christmas presents for family and friends.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Becca Kohlmyer, a junior who was keeping warm at the bonfire. “I think (Student Life and REC Team) did a really, really good job with this event. It might be one of my favorites. I love combining the Christmas party on The Quad with people who are actually selling stuff. And, a really good turnout.”

Anna Quesinberry, a student selling various gifts made using crocheting, knitting, sewing, cross stitching, quilting, or baking, uses her skills to earn funds for mission trips.

“Today, all purchases made are going towards my mission trip to Spain during Spring Break,” Quesinberry said. “Normally, my goal with my business is to save up enough money to go to a third world country (and) teach people the gospel.”

Student Josi-Anna Basson enjoys painting in her free time.

“I work mostly with acrylics, that’s my go-to medium,” Basson said. “These are prints of my paintings,” she said pointed to an array of landscapes and animals. “My latest favorite has been the mini canvases, (which) are also magnets (or) ornaments, you can put a string through the back and — ta-da!”

While Basson takes these types of opportunities to sell her art, she creates simply because she enjoys the process.

“Honestly, it’s my therapy for after I’ve done my assignments,” Basson explained. “I motivate myself to finish assignments by saying, ‘afterwards, I get to sit down and paint and relax.’ Often, I’ll put on some worship music while I work and it’s my happy space.”

��ο��Ƶ alumnus Jack Horchler from the Class of 2024, sold hot chocolate made from his family’s French-inspired recipe which he sold at last year’s Christmas on The Quad.

“I’d like to grow a business out of it one day perhaps, but for now it’s just something that I do for events,” Horchler said noting that he is happy to be on campus.

“It’s been fascinating going to events like this year after year and seeing how they change (and) what stays the same. Regardless of year, the ��ο��Ƶ spirit really stays, with people coming together to enjoy sweet treats and good fellowship and that’s one thing that hasn’t changed at CIU that I’m grateful for.”

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