As the weather turns colder and snowflakes start to fall, Pace students are ready for winter break. This is the busiest time of the semester as folks wrap up their finals and part ways with their friends for the year.
Last Thursday, December 7, the Honors Advisory Board offered a chance to embrace the change of seasons at the Winter Palooza, the final event of the year. Snowflakes, snowmen, and holiday music transformed the Honors Lounge into a scene right out of a picture book. One student eagerly remarked: “it’s a Winter Wonderland!”
The event offered five stations for students to participate in festive activities. My personal favorite was the candle-making station. The HAB Events team staff (with help from candle expert and Honors Advisor Flora) had warmed wax, candle tins, and essential oils ready to go for anyone who wanted to make a candle. When I asked how the station worked, I was told I could pick out a tin and a scent and then they’d do the rest. The range of essential oils available was very impressive. Some of the scents on offer were scents I’d never seen in a candle before, and I consider myself quite the candle connoisseur. Alongside the classic vanilla, lavender, and lemon, there were scents labelled “chocolate chip cookies” and “birthday cake.” Faced with so many choices, it was tough to decide on a scent for my candle, but finally I decided on lemon and bergamot. While the candle cooled, I took some time to explore the other stations at the event.
In the lounge’s central room, two stations offered students the chance to mingle and let their creative juices flow. The first station offered cookies and hot cocoa, making sure everyone was refreshed as they explored the event. Next to the refreshments was the painting station, where students could choose from a wide range of colors and create their very own masterpiece. When I picked up a canvas, I immediately thought of painting a wintry scene. I was surprised to see how differently other students approached the activity. From self-portraits to abstract color blocking, everyone took the opportunity to create something they were excited about. It’s not hard to see why this was the busiest station at the event. Painting allowed everyone a chance to sit back, relax, and catch up with their friends as they explored their creativity.
In the Harry Potter room, colorful markers and construction paper were spread out across both tables for students who wanted to make holiday cards. Although I’ve already planned my holiday cards for the year, I thought this station was a great addition to the event. This station made it easy for students to add a personal touch to any gifts they’re giving this holiday season, which I’m sure their loved ones will appreciate.
Down the hall, the Broadway room was transformed into a festive photoshoot station. A snowy scene served as a backdrop for students to pose and take photos to celebrate the winter season. Festive props were available for any students who wanted them. I thought this station made a great compliment to the card-making station. Both stations offered students an opportunity to bring their own personal touch to the event, giving them something special to bring home with them.
The lounge’s biggest conference room was dedicated to an ornament-making station, overflowing with craft kits of all shapes and colors. Students had the option of crafting a gingerbread person, a snowflake, or a globe full of glitter and snow. I decided to make a snowflake. My kit came with a set of pipe cleaners and plastic beads, as well as a set of instructions to put the parts together. After I had followed each step, I ended up with a somewhat wonky, but still adorable, ornament of my very own. The best part of the ornament station was that every creation was unique and personalized. I met another student who decided to make her ornament three-dimensional, with the snowflake’s needles branching off in all directions. It was great to see how much freedom students had to put their own spin on things.
Jack Nierenberg (‘25) thought the Winter Palooza provided a great opportunity to take some time away from finals: “It’s something I could really use. It’s been one hell of a semester for me, so [events like this] are definitely something that’s necessary. It’s a great opportunity to kind of wind down from all the chaos that’s going on right now.”
I agree that this event was a great chance to wind down. For me, it really highlighted the creative spirit of the holiday season. My favorite part of the winter is getting cozy with my family and breaking out the craft supplies to start on another crochet project. The Winter Palooza offered a great chance to tap into my passion and start thinking about what I want to create this year. I want to thank the HAB Events team for putting together an event that could light my creative spark. I’m definitely looking forward to diving into my craft supplies once finals are done.