‘Twas the night of decorating, when all through the streets people were hanging lights and eating treats. The Christmas tree was put up with love and care, in hopes that downtown would soon compare"

We see the transformation happen every year. After Thanksgiving Break, we arrive to the streets of our beloved tinsel covered town of Athens, GA. Around the middle of November houses up and down Milledge Avenue suddenly become wrapped in lights and dressed with wreaths. With dreams of sugar plums and finding the perfect tacky Christmas Sweater in the air...the Christmas cheer in downtown Athens is contagious. From garland covered light posts to twinkling trees, magic is in the air. One thing is for sure; Athens, GA is one of the greatest places to celebrate the holiday season. 

If there is one thing to cherish about living in a sorority house, it is the way it looks and feels for Christmas.

 “I love living in AOPi with all the Christmas decorations up because it’s so easy to get in the Christmas spirit. Last year living in the dorms it didn’t even feel like Christmas time until I went home for the break,” states sophomore Emily Givens, Alpha Omicron Pi. It’s no doubt that Christmas on Milledge is one for the books. 

With the metamorphosis of these beautiful mansions, also comes the transformation of spirits within. Sophomore Ashleigh Nicoletti, Delta Zeta, comments, “I love when the DZ house is decked out for Christmas because as soon as I get back from class and walk in I am immediately put in a great mood. It makes it feel more like home.” From N. Milledge to S. Milledge, Greek houses are getting people amped for the weeks to come.

Going downtown during fall and spring is fun, but nothing compares to walking down Clayton Street in the winter and feeling like you are straight out of a movie. The sparkling lights that cover the trees above downtown are anything but boring. Eric Sewell, sophomore Theta Chi, gives his insight towards downtown during the holiday season, "As you walk around downtown with all the decorations hung up, it really makes you proud to be a Dawg, and proud to live in the Classic City." Rain or shine, Athens looks remarkable all done up.  

And if you’re in the mood for even more holiday activities, you can watch downtown Athens come alive during the 2014 Parade of Lights and tree lighting ceremony on December 4 starting at 7:00 pm. I know what you’re thinking, “I hate going out in 30 degree weather,” but put on a few extra layers and enjoy the scenery because Christmas only comes once a year. 

For many of us, Athens is our home away from home, but with holiday decorations surrounding the campus, it begins to feel like so much more. From Milledge Avenue all the way to downtown, the Classic City is ready to embrace this season. So enjoy Athens' beautiful decor, and don't miss out on the opportunity to celebrate to Christmas time with your close friends before we all leave for winter break.