Papers, exams, celebrations and holidays
… all loom large in December, a very challenging mix of work and fun. We hope you’re ready! As you plan your
academic & social time, please
remember to schedule sleep and down time too, and when you’re ready to take a
break, here are a few of our favorite free December distractions. On Friday, December 6th
at 7:30 p.m. attend the concert in Laurie Auditorium: a mix of students,
families, alumni and local San Antonio fans make up the annual audience of over
3000, there to hear the combined Trinity Choirs, Wind Ensemble, Symphony
Orchestra, Handbells, Jazz Ensemble, and student-led groups. Then there’s a
“two-fer” available on Sunday, December 8 th, the annual Vespers
Service at 6 p.m. in the Parker Chapel, one of the longest standing traditions
at Trinity, and following the service, the Trinity administration residents of
Oakmont Court open their decorated homes for visitors to enjoy hors d'oeuvres
and listen to carolers. Out in town you can enjoy the holiday serenity of the
River Walk along the banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 6,000
luminarias during the Fiesta De Las Luminarias, on Fridays,
Saturdays & Sundays, 7 – 10 p.m.
We
also encourage you to be creative in your enjoyment of the spirit of the
season. Look for ways you can show appreciation for those who have helped you
during your first semester. A small
favor like carrying luggage out to a car or offering a ride to the airport goes
a long way. December is traditionally a month of giving and gift exchanging. As
you struggle with choosing that perfect gift, consider adding alternative gifts
to your shopping list or wish list, and honor a person you care about with a
donation of time or resources to a worthy cause or asking others to do the same
in lieu of a gift to you. There are so many to choose from, local and global,
some examples are helping the homeless
in the San Antonio area or those affected by the devastation from Typhoon
Haiyan. Search
your heart and find one that fits.
This
month of observance and celebration is special to many faiths and cultures.
It’s also a month of friendly greetings, when something more seasonal replaces
“Hi” or “Howdy!” revisiting the debate on how we should address each other
during this time of year. The U.S. is
one of the most religiously diverse and religiously developed nations in the
world, and it’s easy to take for granted that we can live together with those
who have religious differences, not a given everywhere in the world. Use this season, and your own special joy in
sharing it, to take the lead in teaching and learning with others, including
those with religious differences. Don’t
be shy in sharing an appropriate, positive greeting that best fits the spirit
you feel, and don’t be offended when others are equally motivated to share
theirs!
We
hope that you have a safe and happy holiday break. If this is your first trip
home since August, along with seeing your friends, remember to spend some
quality time with your family. You’ve had 4 months of independence and growth,
something they won’t be able to appreciate if you don’t give them the time to
meet and appreciate the new you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
If we don’t see you on campus this month we’ll see you in 2014!
John & Darcy
Collins
Alumni Sponsors
