The Clause Blogs

By Raquel Escoto

Strolling through the lane between Smith and Trinity dorms was an array of “Fa la la” fun. Thursday, December 2^nd, was the annual Christmas chaos event when RA’s from each housing area transformed Trinity lane into a night of Christmas wonderland fun, with booths, games, and performances.  

Students dressed in scarves and beanies, walked through the area decorated with Christmas lights, ornaments and even a 20 foot Christmas tree. Old St. Nick himself made an appearance for picture taking and presents requests—okay, maybe I was the only one to make a request, but I had to take the opportunity.

People who wanted to get into the Christmas spirit early enjoyed activities from booths like “Karaoke Falala Lyrics” and “Create a Flake.” There was also a booth where friends wrote Christmas cards to each other.

I decided to participate in one booth called “Quelf with the Elves.” The elves at the booth, dressed in green festive garments and long pointy ears, dared each visitor to perform various acts. After the visitor performed the act, they would place their name into a jar for a chance to win a date with an APU celebrity. After a little convincing, my friends and I joined in on the fun. We were dared to get on all fours and act like reindeers. After we embarrassed ourselves, I placed my name in a jar, hoping to get that special date.

Other fun booths were “The Mystery Box,” where visitors sat, sipped tea and listened to music played by Mr. Tumnas, from Chronicles of Narnia. There was also a live nativity scene, a dunk tank, mechanical bull riding and a jumper. Snow cones and popcorn were also offered in the spirit of giving.

Trinity dorm was open for everyone to visit “Deck the Halls,” an annual event where RA’s and freshman deck out their halls, Christmas style. Second south was called “Manly Christmas,” where lights were streamed on both sides of the walls, synchronized to a modernized Christmas song. Fourth south transformed into a winter wonderland; third south was dressed like Charlie Brown; and Fifth south warmed visitors with their Starbucks theme.

 Once the chaos wore off, students returned to their housing areas and back to preparing for college’s generous Christmas gift: final exams and papers. Merry Christmas!

By Kayla Reid

Hundreds of people kicked off the Christmas season Friday night, December 3^rd, by attending Azusa Pacific University’s delightful all choir concert: “Celebrate Christmas 2010: Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah!” This year’s event featured the musical styling’s of the University Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Bel Canto Women’s Choir, Men’s Chorale, Handbell Choir, Oratorio Choir, and (for the first time ever) the music of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. The event, held at Pasadena’s Lake Avenue Church, was a wonderful festive performance full of incredibly talented musicians that were directed under the hands of some of APU’s finest music department faculty.  

The songs varied from soulful deep reflections done in Latin by the Oratorio Choir, to sassy jazz numbers that had most people clapping along. A crowd favorite was when all the choirs came out and did a rendition of the Christmas song, “Do You Hear What I Hear.” The choirs were placed in different locations all over the room and would belt out to each other, creating a dizzying surround sound effect.

 No one attending the night’s event could deny the vast amounts of incredibly talented vocalists and musicians our school has. They were nothing short of inspiring. It even made it easy to look past some of the cheesy hand motions and simply “Celebrate Christmas” with them.