Sophie Liu ’28
Photo courtesy of @ea1785 on Instagram
As the weather gets colder and the holiday season grows closer, the Episcopal Academy’s holiday spirit is beginning to show through our annual festivities. There are many things to look forward to this December, as this month is filled with fun activities and events to help get the EA community into a joyful spirit. Whether it’s gathering at the tree lighting with a cup of hot chocolate or giving gifts through ACLAMO Angels, every tradition finds its own way to spread the holiday spirit across campus.
The holiday season starts with the annual tree lighting event. Happening on December 5 this year from 4-6 p.m., this tradition is an all-school event to start the holiday season and is filled with cookies, hot chocolate, games, activities, and even a visit from Santa. You can grab food and drinks, listen to the music performances in the chapel, and participate in craft activities throughout the duration of the event. Finally, the community gathers around the tree for the lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. on the campus green. For the students, this event stands out as an important tradition, bringing the community together in holiday spirit. Luke Wright ’29 reflects on the moments he enjoyed from prior years, sharing that, “Some of my favorite memories at EA are meeting up with my friends at the Christmas tree lighting, getting a bunch of cookies, and watching as the bubbles and snow come out of the Christmas tree as it’s lit.”
Throughout the week leading up to this festival, the Middle School families are invited to bake cookies for the event while the EAPA organizes, sets up, and decorates the tree for the tree lighting. The music department also works to organize students to play in the chapel and sing carols when the tree is lit. Not only does this event bring the holiday spirit into EA, but it also reflects the deeper meaning of community and unity within EA. Head Chaplain Father Gavin notes, “Some of these events transcend the holiday itself to remind us that we’re part of the community, and so that you know all people are loved and accepted by God.” Every year, the tree lighting brings our school together and spreads joy throughout the EA community as we kick off the holiday season.
Following the tree lighting, the holiday spirit continues with one of the students’ favorite chapels of the year, the Scrooge Chapel. Held on December 15 this year, The Scrooge Chapel is a live performance in which students and faculty reenact Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Every year, the faculty acts out the same skit through different characters with their own little twist. Every year, everyone can look forward to new, reimagined characters acting out the same story.
Charles Bryant, an Upper School History teacher who has previously acted in many roles for the Scrooge Chapel, such as various iterations of Jacob Marley and Elvis Presley, explains why the Scrooge Chapel is enjoyable for everyone, especially the students. “It’s fun for students to see their teachers getting dressed up, being silly, in somewhat relevant roles for us to be able to show a different side,” he says. Dan Clay, Performing Arts Department Chair and director of the Scrooge Chapel, recalls his favorite moments of the performance: “I love it each year when the teacher comes out and surprises the students as the ghost, and there’s always a big round of applause. So each one of those moments is special to me.” So, whether it’s Deadpool and Wolverine acting as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, or Shrek and Lord Farquaad appearing as the Ghosts of Christmas Present, the Scrooge Chapel always brings the holiday spirit into the community through humor, energy, and creativity.
Beyond the on-campus activities, EA also hosts ACLAMO Angels, an event allowing students and advisories to sponsor an ACLAMO student’s Christmas presents as an anonymous “angel.” The gifters put together a bag with 5-7 items, including toys, books, and clothing items, which would then be dropped off and donated to the ACLAMO student. The holiday season is not only a great time for celebrating but also a great time for giving. Amy Brotschul, Upper School French Teacher and the community service coordinator, states that “When you would see your ACLAMO student, the child that your group or your family adopted, either playing with the toys that you gave them or wearing the clothes that you gave them, just the joy and smiles that were brought to the EA student who provided that was just a beautiful thing, for sure.”
Father Gavin explains, “The ACLAMO Angels [program] reminds us we’re part of something greater than ourselves.” He also notes how the service itself is rewarding, especially during the holidays. “Angels being able to give reminds them how important the season is, in terms of remembering other people, not just remembering our families and friends, but also remembering strangers.” Ultimately, ACLAMO Angels can remind us about the importance of generosity and kindness, especially during the holiday season.
Every year, EA continues to bring the holiday spirit through events like the tree lighting, the Scrooge Chapel, and ACLAMO Angels. This month, we can look forward to them once again as they bring the excitement of the festive spirit back to campus. As we get ready to celebrate the holidays, let’s continue to spread the joy, kindness, and generosity that ultimately make the holiday season meaningful.
