La Salle students share Christmas memories

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
December 6, 2006

It’s that time of the year again—time for trees, presents, lights and ribbons. Every year at Christmastime, families gather round and participate in traditions that have gone on for years.

Coming to La Salle allows students to add new traditions to their holiday celebrations. The enchantment of the city offers La Salle students the chance to enjoy the holiday in a new way—Philly style.

To discover Lasallians’ favorite festive activities, students were asked to share their favorite holiday traditions in the city or what things they would like to do in Philadelphia during Christmastime.

Senior history and religion major Bridget Boyle suggested the River Rink at Penn’s Landing as a good place to enjoy the winter atmosphere.

The outdoor rink is open weeknights from 6-9 p.m., Friday from 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Saturday from 12:30 p.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday from 12:30-9 p.m., and is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy New Year’s Eve, the rink is having a New Year’s party on the ice, close to the fireworks at midnight. There will be live entertainment, activities and food. Tickets start at $15.

If you are interested in sugar plum fairies or ballet, then head to The Nutcracker at the Academy of the Arts, which senior history and English major Tim Smalarz highly recommends. This production of The Nutcracker provides discounts for college students with a school ID.

Along with enjoying the traditional ballet, Smalarz also recommends heading to Rittenhouse Square to see the shops and their incredible displays to “get into the Christmas spirit.”

Freshman Thea Boyle remembers going to the light show currently held at Macy’s in Center City. The light show started half a century ago, when the store was Wanamaker’s. It runs every hour daily until Jan. 1.

Over 100,000 lights are used, creating Christmas images like snowflakes, ballerinas and reindeer. The light show is accompanied by music played by the Wanamaker Grand Organ. The light show is one of Philadelphia’s must-see Christmas attractions.

Senior nursing major Kristen Schu enjoys the Charles Dickens House inside the Macy’s department store at 13th and Market Streets. It is located on the third floor of Macy’s in the children’s department. Schu has gone since she was a child and since coming to La Salle, she has “been able to bring friends to see it who never have.”

The house is a replica of Dickens’ Camdentown, and is an illustration of the famous A Christmas Carol and the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Open until 6 p.m. every day, the exhibit is free for visitors.

Freshman nutrition major Alyssa O’Bomsawin has lived in upstate New York her entire life and is new to the city of Philadelphia. She kicked off her first Christmas in the city by attending the tree lighting in Center City Wednesday, Nov. 29.

“The tree was really big, and it was warm so it was a nice evening,” O’Bomsawin said.

Whatever your favorite part of the holidays is, Philadelphia has something for everyone.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu