A very Regis holiday season

From the annual Christmas tree lighting and Brunch with Santa to the celebration of the season of Advent, the holiday season at Regis is full of joy, light and community.

Kicking off the holiday celebrations on Nov. 19, Regis continued its annual tradition, flipping the switch on the Christmas tree for the first time that year. Faculty, staff, students and the community gathered on the Quad, taking in the holiday ambience of the chilly weather, carolers from Regis’ Fine and Performing Arts Department – and even a sighting of Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Attendees moved into the Student Center for holiday crafting and snacking, wrapping up the night by decorating cookies and enjoying s’mores. 

The celebration of the holiday and community continued Dec. 5, with the Festival of Lessons and Carols, one of Regis’ spiritual traditions recognizing the beginning of Advent. Kyle Turner, Director of University Ministry, said: “now in its fourth decade here at Regis, each year's focus is on current world circumstances, dovetailed with the anticipatory nature of the Advent season.”

This year, the celebration was inspired by Las Posadas, an Advent holiday celebrated in Latin America and the American Southwest. Turner described that the holiday is observed as a nine-night ritual where groups of people proceed door to door by candlelight, asking for shelter for Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.

“It is the story of a migrant family, the Holy Family, looking for shelter. Our present world is full of countless souls living the truth of Las Posadas in flesh and blood reality,” said Turner. “We chose the theme of Las Posadas this year because we felt it was apropos for what is the reality for many people in our communities at this time.” 

Continuing to spread the holiday spirit, Regis’ faculty and staff gathered on campus for the President’s Christmas Party on Dec. 12. The tradition was led this year by Interim President Rev. Scott D. Hendrickson, S.J., D.Phil., welcoming all to celebrate. 

This year’s Christmas Video debuted at the party, featuring stories of success from our Regis community. The video celebrates the impact of a Regis education and the blessings of the season. Watch the full video here.

Finally, on Dec. 14, Regis invited alumni and their families to Brunch with Santa. Families enjoyed a tasty pancake brunch, holiday crafts and a personal photo with Santa. For many alumni attending, this brunch brought them and their families “home for the holidays,” reminding them of their stay at Regis.

Through fun and cheer, to the spiritual calling of the season, the Regis community came together to celebrate each other in the “Regis” way. Happy holidays!