St. Nicholas Party

Last night, the seminary had the community St. Nicholas party (even though St. Nick's day is Dec. 6th... had to work around schedules). It was a terrific time. A good friend of mine, Isabel, and I are the parent coordinators for this year. This party falls under our umbrella. Not knowing what to plan, we decided to keep this event simple. The tradition is that the Dean of the seminary reads 'Twas the night before Christmas (Clement Moore was a professor at General). Then, we are all surprised by a visit from Santa (aka. St. Nick).

So at lunch yesterday, several questions were being asked. How are you all decorating the Refectory? Are you going to use the blow up snow man? When am I going to read the story? Are there going to be Christmas carols? How was the room going to be arranged? I had this sinking feeling that this would in fact be the Bah-Hum-Bug St. Nick party. Our only planned decoration was the Christmas tree... no inflatable snowman. Isabel had asked James if he would be interested in leading Christmas carols... but had no confirmation. We had no idea of how the evening would flow....would the Dean read first then have Santa visit.... or would it be better the other way around?!?! And to top it off, Isabel and I decided NO GIFTS for the children!!!! We followed the tradition of St. Nick and prepared goody bags containing an orange, a few pieces of chocolate, and a peppermint stick. The evening was not looking good.

Our family arrived at the Refectory around 5:45. You would not believe it!!! A Christmas elf had sprung a surprise on us (his name is John)!!! A dear, dear friend from the communications department had decorated the Refectory! It was beautiful and festive. He has such a gift for bringing a mood to a room. I was blown away! The employees at the TuTu center had the room set up beautifully... even had a special chair for the Dean and Santa.

As people began showing up, in walked James with his guitar, ready to play Christmas carols. He had recruited Jadon to accompany him. As the evening continued, it just flowed. The only hitch was when the Dean was about to the read the story... in walked the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Shori. The Dean did have to pause and welcome her to the seminary. So the caroling began until the Dean was able to read 'Twas the night before Christmas. Santa capped off the night. He was wonderful!! Being a spouse of one of the seminarians gave him some insight of each child. He (Owen) was wonderful with the children. And can you believe....not a single tear about not receiving a gift!!!!!

Over all, the evening could not have gone any smoother. The community of GTS is so willing to give. With everyone giving their gift, the result is wonderful. Isabel and I almost feel guilty that people were thanking us for the evening. We had done so little for the night to have gone so well. We are so thankful for such a wonderful community!!