Bluffton University held its second annual Christmas at the Houshower House on Sunday, Nov. 24. The lighting was before Thanksgiving this year due to Thanksgiving falling so later in the month.
This was a tradition that President Jane Wood decided to start after the Welcome Center was moved to Houshower House.
“Houshower House is the front door of the university, and we wanted to celebrate the Christmas season here at our house,” said Wood.
Wood was also motivated to start this tradition after her interaction with an international student who was experiencing their first Christmas in the United States.
Wood said the student asked, “This is my first Christmas here in the United States, when are we going to drink hot chocolate, sing carols and look at Christmas lights together?”
The night started off with Wood welcoming everyone to the Houshower House, and then introduced sophomore music education major Evan Burden, who led everyone in singing “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World.”
Once the first two carols were finished, Wood retook the podium to give the history of the Houshower House. The Houshower House was built in the 1940s by H.W. Berky and was then later donated to Bluffton University from Mark and Margaret Houshower.
The lighting of the Houshower House and tree followed after the crowd counted down from five before the lights were turned on and lit up the street.
Burden then retook the podium and led the crowd in singing “Silent Night” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
Senior pastoral assistant Alexis Cash finished the night with a closing prayer. Everyone was then welcomed inside Houshower House to see all of the Christmas decorations.
Jeremy Locklear, a sophomore, attended this event for the first time this year. He said he enjoyed the hot chocolate that was served and described it as being “delightful.”
“I’m so excited to participate in this Bluffton tradition,” said Locklear.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Religion Randy Keeler attended the lighting with his wife for the second time.
“The event was held at 4 p.m. last year and it was just getting dark. I like that they moved it back to 8 p.m. this year so everyone can really see the Christmas lights,” said Keeler.
“There were not very many students here last year so I’m happy to see more students came out this year,” said Keeler. “I hope this tradition continues to grow and gets bigger each year.”
Wood was very pleased with the turnout of this event and is open to any suggestions that students might have for next year. She hopes this event continues to grow and would love to get a group of students to go caroling around Bluffton to different houses in the community.
