HSU Christmas Party By: Emily Slaughter

Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) Christmas Party is a beloved celebration during the holidays for students, faculty, staff and the Abilene community. The annual HSU Christmas party will be lighting up the campus on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m.. 

“HSU’s annual Christmas party is an event available to students, staff and the public to watch as we light up HSU including our Christmas tree,” Keatyn Rodgers, a senior business administration major from Ronanke and the student worker who is helping put on this event said. “This event includes performances by various performing arts groups at HSU before the lighting. We also will have Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, smores and many more treats. We also include some fun activities which include ornament making, Christmas card decorating and photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause.”

Rodgers’ favorite activity is the Christmas tree lighting. “I am also super excited about something new we are adding this year which is our Christmas card decorating,” Rodgers said. “These Christmas cards will be donated to Hendrick Hospital across the street to patients in the hospital during the holidays. This is a great way for us to spread joy.” 

These Christmas cards are definitely going to bring light to the patients at Hendrick Hospital and fill their hearts with warmth during this cold season.

“This will be my 4th year working the Christmas Party,” Abbey Pardue, a senior business administration major from Lubbock and another student working the Christmas party, said. “It has been the highlight of my year, every year I’ve been here. I find myself getting emotional and teary-eyed watching families getting into the holiday spirit. Kids’ eyes light up along with the campus, and college kids get a taste of home and comfort. It’s so nice to have a moment where everyone on campus takes a deep breath and looks at the beauty around them.” 

“I would say what makes HSU’s Christmas party so special is the ability it has to bring so many people together,” Rodgers said. “We have such a variety of things at the party that brings people together, whether that’s just someone wanting free hot chocolate and a break from studying or someone coming to enjoy Christmas carols; we have it all.”

Stop by and celebrate the end of another wonderful semester by taking pictures under the tree with friends, grabbing a cookie or decorating a Christmas card.

John 1:9: "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”