Holiday Celebration Set

Traditions are important come holiday season. That's true not just for families, but for organizations, and that thinking was the motivation for this year's Thomas Nelson Holiday Jamboree.

"We're trying to keep as many traditions as possible," said Alicia Riley, the College's special events manager.

With that in mind, the event will include a Santa's Village, lots of food, a toy drive, and a little bit of driving. It is set for Nov. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Thomas Nelson's Hampton campus. Attendees won't have to get out of their cars.

"This is a really unique experience for us because we're doing a full drive-thru," Riley said.

She said a professional company will decorate the campus with monuments from across the globe, including the Eiffel Tower. It's being labeled "Countries Around the World."

Another highlight will be Santa's Village, complete with members of the President's Cabinet dressed up as elves.

Dr. Susan English, vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development, is excited to be one of Santa's helpers. She, as well as the other Cabinet members, said yes right away when asked to participate.

"Alicia brought it to Cabinet … that Santa would need some elves," English said. "Everybody was like, 'Hey, we want to be elves.'

"We're embracing elves of all shapes and sizes, and colors and heights. We're looking forward to it."

And of course, Santa will be on hand.

As for the food, dinner will be provided by Lickin Lipps catering. Fresh-baked cookies also will be available. Participants are being asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy, which will be donated to Toys for Tots.

The reading of Christmas stories is another holiday tradition Riley has incorporated into the celebration, but that is not confined to Nov. 21. Riley is working with the Presidential Ambassadors, a group of student volunteers, on that.

"It's called 'Buy a book, read a book, then donate the book,'" she said.

The Ambassadors already have started the recordings, which will be available beginning Nov. 21. They are excited about the project.

"They loved the idea," Riley said.

Incoming Thomas Nelson President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon and Interim President Dr. Gregory DeCinque have signed up to read a book. Some books will relate to the holidays, including Kwanza and Hanukkah, while others are every day children's books.

English is looking forward to all aspects of the holiday celebration.

"I'm really excited about this event," she said. "We certainly haven't done this kind of event but I think it's a fun way to get folks together."

She noted events such as this, even with proper social distancing, are important to a lot of people this year. It's more than just a holiday celebration.

"In general, we like each other," English said with a laugh. "And that's the thing. We like each other. And that's always the fun part of our holiday gatherings. You get to introduce your husband. We enjoy each other, everybody likes to eat.

"I'm really glad we're trying to do something in that vein. I'm glad about that."

She added she misses her colleagues and friends, and this is a good way to get back in touch with them, if even for just a few hours.

"I'm just excited to see people," English said.

Registration is required. Sign up for the festivities today by CLICKING HERE.

For more information about the Holiday Jamboree or other events, email Riley at rileya@tncc.edu.