Many students eagerly await the holiday season, and at NDB, the diverse student population is a priority, ensuring that all individuals feel welcomed and respected.
Thanksgiving at NDB is commemorated through the collaborative efforts of the Hallmarks and Action (HIA) Board, which organizes a mass and invites distinguished guests from the community. Epicurean prepares a festive meal, and students are given a Thanksgiving break, in which plans vary depending on the student.
“For Thanksgiving, my family always hosts our extended families who come to our house. So all my relatives from Maine and Texas come over to our house, and we host them for a big dinner, and then in the morning of Thanksgiving, we all run a turkey trot together,” said junior Ella Oldendorp. “So because my family is very athletic and we love spending time outdoors. So after that, we cook a big meal, and then we enjoy it together and usually spend time playing games.”
After Thanksgiving break, NDB places significant emphasis on the observance of Christmas and Hanukkah. The Coalition for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is committed to honoring all Jewish holidays, including Hanukkah.
“We tend to start [Hanukkah celebrations] off with a brief history and explanation for the people who don’t know [about the holiday], but then we really dig into individual students, how they celebrate, what it looks like in their family, what they like to do, and then the games, the food, and that part. So that’s definitely a holiday where it’s leaning heavier on the like activities and the fun, rather than the educational piece, just because that tends to be one where people already have a good amount of knowledge of it,” said G Imazumi-Hegarty, the moderator of the board.
The aim of the Coalition is to help people of all religions feel included in holiday festivities, which has been acknowledged by many Jewish students.
“It’s great to see [Hanukkah] being recognized at Notre Dame, especially because it is a Catholic school, and I think that they’re doing a good job at being supportive and inclusive,” said sophomore Riley Blum, a Jewish student.
As a Catholic school, NDB actively honors the Christmas season through various traditions and celebrations.
Amy Jobin, the moderator for HIA, outlined their plans for setting up a nativity scene and displaying an Advent wreath. This year, HIA is expanding its efforts by integrating the themes of Advent—peace, hope, joy and love—more profoundly within the NDB community.
“So we’re hoping this year to focus one week of our prayers, from the beginning of Advent until we leave after exams, on those four themes that are part of the four weeks of Advent. So one week our prayers and our theme will be like hope. We’ll focus our prayers on hope and any readings that focus hope as well,” said Jobin.
At NDB, while the religious significance of Christmas is emphasized, the values and lessons associated with this season, particularly the importance of community, are also prioritized.
To support the local community, the NDB Mom’s Club is organizing a drive to encourage students to contribute baskets filled with gifts, food, and other essential items. Additionally, NDB will be hosting a toy drive, allowing students to distribute toys at the Mayfair Community Center during their annual Christmas party.
NDB places great importance on fostering development within its community, as reflected in the plans for a festive spirit week organized by the ASB, which will highlight various elements of the holiday season each day, as well as festive decorations such as class stockings and decorated dining haul.
Students engage in diverse Christmas celebrations outside of school, whether through family gatherings at home or vacations.
“I think [Christmas is] recognized at a good level because we’re a Catholic school, but it also does a good job at recognizing holidays that other religions celebrate. I also like how wherever you look, there is a Christmas tree, and I also like how we have a spirit week before finals,” said junior Amelia Breckenridge.
NDB is committed to creating a joyful and festive atmosphere for everyone during this special time of year. Members of the community eagerly anticipate the array of exciting activities and transformations that unfold at NDB as the seasons change. From seasonal celebrations to charming decorations, the students and staffulty look forward to each new opportunity to bring cheer and warmth to the community.
