Lighting of the Quad at MC arrives early, brings holiday cheer to ‘Home Away from Home’

The idyllic Quad at Mississippi College will be awash in twinkling Christmas lights through Christmas Day.

The Christmas season at Mississippi College will officially begin on Tuesday, Nov. 19, with the traditional Lighting of the Quad event in Clinton.

At 7 p.m., thousands of holiday bulbs will bathe the idyllic heart of MC’s campus with white light in a breathtaking display that signals the holidays have arrived. Sponsored by the Campus Programming Board and the Office of Student Engagement, the event is free and open to the public.

The Quad is being lit early this year because of how MC’s Thanksgiving holiday falls on the academic calendar. Jonathan Nutt, associate dean of students, said the theme, “Home Away from Home for the Holidays,” is indicative of how students feel about Mississippi College.

“They consider MC to be their second home and want to make Christmas feel just as special here as when they are home during the holiday break,” he said.

“Lighting of the Quad is one of the many times where it feels like MC is a big family and we get to share in some holiday cheer,” said Anna-Claire Young, a junior psychology major from Southaven. “It feels nostalgic and cozy.

Along with the impressive light display, the ceremony will include several family-friendly activities.

Among the highlights:

* A candlelit singing of “Silent Night.”

* A special reading of the Christmas story, sharing the Gospel account of Jesus’s birth and explaining why Christians worldwide celebrate the season.

* A “Candy Cane Lane” featuring Santa’s workshop.

* A holiday train ride.

* An opportunity to write cards to local nursing home residents.

* A visit from Santa Claus.

Robert Lewis, director of the Campus Programming Board, said the event is not to be missed.

“There’s always good food and a lot of fun things to do,” said Lewis, a senior interpersonal communications major from Hoover, Alabama. “Each of the clubs and tribes compete to see who can decorate a Christmas tree the best.”

“We want every student, staff member, faculty member and community member to feel the joy of the holiday season as they attend Lighting of the Quad,” Nutt said.

The lights will be lit throughout the night through Dec. 25.