When it comes to Christmas on Campus the University of Dayton does things a little bit differently. We still have all the traditional decorations that you see on college campuses around the country: lights everywhere, wreathes on the buildings, and a giant tree in the middle of campus. But what sets Dayton apart from other schools is the one night every year that we celebrate Christmas on Campus.
On December 8 we bring kids from the Dayton area to experience Christmas on our campus. They are paired up with a buddy and taken to different activities all over campus ranging from decorating Christmas cookies and ornaments to pictures with Santa, and even a carnival put on for the kids. This tradition started over 50 years ago and has become such a big part of the community here that the alumni all over the country celebrate their own version.
Christmas on Campus has become such an important tradition here because, for many of the children who come, it is the only time they get to celebrate Christmas. Dayton is not one of the nicest areas in Ohio and some of the kids who are able to participate in this event come from rough backgrounds. This tradition has become so important because the University of Dayton students, as a community, are able to give back to the greater Dayton area.
I just participated in my first Christmas on Campus and I knew it was a big deal but I never imagined how big it actually was. The kids come running off of the bus and are ready to start the fun, and they honestly have no idea just how much we have planned for them in the 3 short hours that we get to spend with them.
From reindeer and barn animals to Santa and Mrs. Clause being pulled in a sleigh by horses to getting autographs from the "famous" Dayton men's basketball team, we do everything in our power to make this night as great as possible for the kids because we know it could be the only Christmas that they get to celebrate.
The joy radiating from the children on this one night is infectious. It is their night and you can see the happiness and excitement on all of their faces. Even though this night is all about giving back to the community that we live in, it doesn't feel like giving back because it is so much fun for everyone involved. Christmas on Campus is the best tradition at the University of Dayton because we are able to celebrate the holiday season as a community and help make a child's Christmas special at the same time.
