The Bell
Christmas at Gordon: A Beloved Tradition
Gordon launched into Christmas mode over the weekend with the beloved annual Christmas at Gordon celebration. Live performances, festive foods and fun activities welcomed students, families and community members to join together not only for the most wonderful time of the year, but to honor the reason behind the festivities.
“Christmas at Gordon is such a special time because we can all come together as a community and enjoy each other while celebrating the birth of Jesus,” says Beverly McGowan ’19.
Friday evening featured a variety of joyous activities for people of all ages, including a bonfire complete with a s’mores bar, free family photo booth, (fake) snow, hay rides, crafts in the Lion’s Den, and The Whoo(pie) Wagon.
The event included several performances by groups from all around the North Shore. The Academy at Penguin Hall’s a capella group sang Christmas classics like “Silent Night” and “Carol of the Bells.” Hamilton-Wenham’s Kings of the Beach a capella group offered a rendition of “Good Ole A Capella,” a Doo Wop-inspired song about the joy of a capella music, along with a few Christmas carols.
Singing turned to dancing when the Hamilton-Wenham School of Dance’s Allegro Dance Ensemble performed several short pieces from the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. And a group of Gordon students and alumni had their time to shine when their band performed wonderful versions of “Joy to the World” and “Hallelujah.”
Gordon’s Music Department hosted what has become the largest Christmas concert celebration on the North Shore: the 26th annual Christmas Gala. Each year, the Chapel transforms into a Christmas dream, adorned with giant wreaths, twinkle lights, red ribbon and large pine trees. The choirs enter down the aisles, candles in hand, singing softly and making the large sanctuary feel cozy and inviting. Performing ensembles included the Gordon College Children’s Choir, College Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Gordon College Symphony Orchestra and the Gordon College Wind Ensemble.
By Megan Harvey ’19, communication arts