Christmas Tree Lighting

Prior to 1997, the only Christmas tree lightings that most Mercer undergraduate students experienced were in their respective hometowns. In fact, before that time, very few Christmas lights were on the Macon campus at all during December. However, the 1997 move from the quarter system to the semester system created the need for a Christmas celebration on campus. And this annual gala has turned into a highly-anticipated and well-attended Mercer tradition.

“The tree lighting started when we were moving from the quarter system to the semester system,” said Dr. Barry Jenkins, vice provost for institutional effectiveness and former longtime dean of students. “We realized we had to celebrate Christmas. Back then, students got out at Thanksgiving and did not return until after the holiday.”

Since the late 1990s, the December event has grown in popularity and attendance. Initially, a new tree was cut each year, but now there is a permanent live tree on the Quad near Willingham for the annual celebration, which includes traditional holiday songs, hot cocoa and seasonal festivities.

“It is an outdoor event that the entire campus attends,” said Dr. Doug Pearson, vice president and dean of students. “The Mercer Singers perform. There is a Christmas message given by the University minister. There is usually a rousing rendition of the ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ read by a faculty member. And it is all followed up by the lighting of the tree.”

Jordan Locke, who co-chairs the Heritage Life Committee for the Student Government Association, said the annual celebration gives students a taste of the holiday season without disrupting the academic experience.

“Most students are in the middle of finals,” said Locke, a Blackshear, Ga., native who is helping organize the event for the second year. “They want to come out and see the lighting of the Christmas tree, enjoy some cocoa and get a Christmas mug.”

The popularity of the Christmas mugs has helped solidify the tradition for Mercer students. The mugs are designed uniquely each year, thus giving students an opportunity to graduate with four unique Christmas mugs, Locke said.

This year, the Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Dec. 9, with more than 500 students, faculty, staff and their family members expected to attend the event.