Deck the Halls draws Cedarville students together through laughter, competition and festive cheer

By Rachel Schuck

Dashing to and fro, students leapt over sidewalks and crossed icy roads. Clambering to reach the front of the line, they pushed through the crowd to make it on time. Jackets in tow, they rushed to the door. As it swung open wide, they hurried inside.

Despite freezing hands and chattering teeth, students waited for their turn to arrive. While some huddled in clumps or jumped up and down in line, some laughed with their friends and threw snowballs. They stood in anticipation. No one swayed from their spot. They were not going to miss the evening of fun.

Deck the Halls, an annual Campus Christmas event at Cedarville University, filled Friday, December 5 with joyful conversation, friendly competition and festive cheer.

From Chick-fil-A to Old Testament stories, students decked the dorms with creativity, laughter and Christmas fun. Through the articulate planning of resident assistants and the strong participation of students, Cedarville’s campus enjoyed interactive skits, colorful costumes and cash prizes.

Lauren Hall, a freshman nursing major, expressed her excitement for Deck the Halls prior to the evening. As a second generation student, she looked forward to experiencing one of her parents’ favorite campus events.

“My parents were both Cedarville alum, and they would always talk about how fun Deck the Halls was,” she said. “So I’m excited to see what the hype is and excited just to have a lot of fun with friends.”

Following a walk-through of West, Rickard, and Walker, Hall left the night with shining eyes and a huge smile. 

“It was one of the most entertaining things that I’ve ever seen on Cedarville’s campus,” Hall said. “It brought a lot of laughter, and overall it was a really fun experience.”

A West resident and freshman mechanical engineering student, Andrew Bruckart also enjoyed the night. He commended West, Rickard and Walker for their reenactment of Old Testament stories.

“I don’t think there’s any way that could be topped,” Bruckart said. “I’m coming into this with an open mind, but that was probably the best performance I’ve ever seen.”

Jason Richner, a freshman marketing student and resident of Rickard, especially enjoyed the event’s social atmosphere.

“I think that [Deck the Halls] is very interactive and engaging and a good opportunity to see other students’ lives,” Richner said. “Overall, it was quite an amazing experience.”

Renee Kelly, a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design major, appreciated the creativity, mystery and teamwork involved in the skits.

“[Deck the Halls] sparks a lot of creativity. I like that they keep it a secret until you walk in and have no idea what to expect,” she said. “I really like seeing all the students working together.”

While most students embraced the long lines and viewer experience, others played a role in the spotlight, which aided in the night’s magic.

Students also used every-day objects and Dollar General treasures to bring their skits to life. Streamers, cardboard signs, dinosaur costumes and even a lava lamp dressed the scene as students recreated past eras, famous movies and campus occurrences.

Although each dorm decked their halls with innovative decorations, imaginative themes and vibrant characters, several winners rose above them all.

Through skits about Residential Assistant life and Chick-fil-A training, McKinney and Murdoch placed first in their slot. Through a Silly Songs with Johnson and a Lord of the Rings skit, St. Clair and Johnson also took the top spots in the second time slot.

Setting the tone for the Christmas season, Deck the Halls not only adorned Cedarville’s campus with conversation, competition and cheer, but also filled the night with sounds of singing. While waiting in line for the event to begin, several students lifted up their voices in worship. Through renditions of classical Christmas carols and hymns, the students pulled various passersby into the chorus. 

Richner, who witnessed the singing students, reflected on the impact of the night. 

Richner said, “[Deck the Halls] brings people together not just in their own dorms, but in praise.”

Photos courtesy of Cedarville’s Facebook page

Rachel Schuck is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design student. She loves to play the piano, get coffee with friends, and take walks in the sunshine.